8 Body Sense
Approximately 43.5 million caregivers
have provided unpaid care to an
adult or child in the past 12 months.
From Caregiver.org
it take to remain that present, that open, that ready
for the loved one lying in the bed before you?
And all the while, these thoughts race through
your mind: What more can I do for her? Am I
ready for her to go? Is she ready to go? Is she
comfortable? Is she in pain? Is her breathing
labored? Does that wince mean she's in pain?
It's a never-ending process—until it does end. But,
until that moment, it's one of the most important (and
most exhausting) things we can do for another—
being present with intention in a caregiver's role.
CAREGIVER BURNOUT
According to the Mayo Clinic, "People who experience
caregiver stress can be vulnerable to changes in their
own health," often without being aware of it. Here are
signs the Mayo Clinic tells caregivers to watch for:
• Abusing alcohol or drugs, including
prescription medications
• Becoming easily irritated or angry
• Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried
• Feeling sad
• Feeling tired often
• Frequent headaches, pain, or other physical problems
8 Body Sense
