According to the United States Department of Human Services more than fifty million people provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year. As the baby boom population enters their senior years a large number of children and spouses find themselves in an unexpected position of caregiver and/or conservator.
The typical family caregiver is a 46-year-old woman who is caring for her widowed mother. She typically does not live in the home with her. She is married and employed. Approximately 60% of all family caregivers are women.
Stress of family care giving for persons with dementia or Alzheimer's has been shown to impact a person's immune system for up to three years after their care giving ends thus increasing their chances of developing a chronic illness themselves. The inability to manage stress has a direct correlation to the ability to handle extreme emotions that can lead to anger. Anger management classes are designed specifically for those who are struggling with stress and anger.
Family caregivers who provide care 40 or more hours weekly are even more likely than non-caregivers to experience symptoms of depression, anxiety and anger outbursts. If you are caring for a spouse the rate is six times higher; and for those caring for a parent the rate is twice as high. Financial strains also exist as Social Security benefits, Medicaid, Medicare and Medi-cal may not cover mounting hospice costs or the price of medication.
Many caregivers experience guilt as they may resent caring for their senior loved ones. This guilt is often expressed as irritability, isolation and sometimes aggression. The strain of caring for an aging family member can put a burden on the family as a whole. Spouses may feel neglected and sometime divorce ensues. Often times children begin to act out in school or at home in an effort to gain attention from their weary parent.
Learning effective communication, self-awareness, the ability to adjust expectations and stress management are productive tools for preventing anger outbursts.
In an open discussion anger management class specifically geared for caregivers participants learn tools to handle emotions of anger as well as meet allies to help deal with the pressures of life. Anger Management classes are often used as a respite for tired caregivers. Many caregivers are embarrassed to seek help but the best way to care for someone who needs help is to get help yourself.
Daybreak Counseling Service
Shannon Munford
http://www.daybreakservices.com/
http://twitter.com/angryinla
855-662-6437
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