In a role traditionally taken on by women, a growing number of men are charting unfamiliar territory and becoming primary caregivers for their wives or elderly parents. According to a comprehensive study conducted for AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving in 2004, 39 percent of an estimated 44.4 million caregivers are males.
Whether an ill spouse has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, or a stroke, male caregivers often find their new role to be overwhelming and all-consuming. Most men have grown up in a household, and certainly a culture, in which females have been perceived as the primary family nurturers. Yet often by necessity, more men than ever are rolling up their sleeves and helping their family members with day-to-day tasks such as preparing meals, cleaning the house, bathing, and managing medications.
To compound the stress in their lives, baby-boomer men may find themselves sandwiched between elder care and child care, and as they juggle work, family, and the needs of an aging parent, their frustration can often turn into despair, exhaustion, and burnout. But with the right support and encouragement, men can find caregiving to be a rewarding and admirable experience.
Below is one of four physical and emotional tips to support the male caregiver:
1) Recognize the emotions you are feeling –Being thrown into the role of a caregiver for the first time can be overwhelming and stressful. Perhaps you feel guilty because you think you aren’t doing enough, and you’re frustrated that you can’t do more. The stress you feel is not only the result of your caregiving situation but also the result of your perception of it. It is important to remember that you are not alone.
Steps to take:
- Identify the source of your stress. Ask yourself, what is causing the stress for me? Sources of stress might be too much to do, family disagreements, feelings of inadequacy, and the inability to say no.
- Talk with a supportive, understanding person about your feelings. This might be a friend, family member, or local support group.
- Use your sense of humor. It’s a great way to relieve tension and break barriers. Laughing is good for you physically and helps everyone around feel better.
- Learn and use stress-reduction techniques. Stress reducers can be simple activities such as walking, gardening, or having a cup of coffee with a friend.
Stay tuned to our next post for three more steps you can take to be the best male caregiver. At Comfort Keepers we seek to be a resource to you because we are Comfort Keepers caregivers and we are here to help! Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 855-592-0013.
