A NEW free information
guide aimed at the scores of carers in Inishowen has
been published by Home Instead Senior Care.
The guide called 'Running on Empty' examines the
role of caregiving from the carer's point of view,
offering insights and information on coping with the
stresses caring brings.
"Caregiver stress" can manifest itself in a wide
range of ways, emotionally and physically, including
disturbed sleep, headaches, weight fluctuation,
fatigue, anxiety and mood swings, according to Home
Instead Senior Care, a private franchise group
offering care in the home.
"It is vitally important for family caregivers to
recognise the signs and take steps to deal with
stress before it becomes a major problem for
themselves or for the person they look after," said
Donegal director of Home Instead Senior Care, Noreen
McGlynn.
An estimated one-in-four Irish adults currently care
for an ageing parent or relative, with almost half
of this group providing care for their spouse. Large
numbers of children under 18 years also care for a
parent or sibling.
"In talking to our clients and their family members,
as well as community health providers, it was
apparent there was an urgent need for a
comprehensive information guide specifically for
carers in Ireland," added Ms McGlynn.
'Running on Empty' also acknowledges and explains
emotional and physical responses to providing care.
It covers topics such as how to recognise signs of
stress and offers coping mechanisms that can be
taken to avert potential future problems.
A free copy of 'Running on Empty' is available from
Home Instead Senior Care on 074 91 13050. |
