​Gratitude Actually Helps Reduce Stress for the Overwhelmed Caregiver

Home Health Care Evanston IL

Charlene was never really the type of person who had to receive accolades from others. She was confident in herself, her abilities, and her talents. It wasn’t a big deal whether or not she received something from others; she continued to provide support when needed. 

When she began taking care of her elderly mother, she assumed it was going to be an easy task. Her mother had been hospitalized following a minor heart attack, and while it was certainly a stressful situation for Charlene and the rest of the family, their fears and concerns were quickly allayed by the doctor who suggested their mother would make a full and healthy recovery. 

She was going to need support. 

The doctor highly recommended some type of home health care. That’s when Charlene decided to take it upon herself to become a caregiver. She didn’t see it as being a caregiver, but rather offering the type of help somebody needed when they needed it most. 

Before long, though, the simple things that took very little time for Charlene to complete at her mother’s house evolved into something much bigger than she expected. Her mother seemed to be having difficulty getting through the day. She was worn out and fatigued. Charlene and her mother both assumed this was the result of the heart attack, but then began to suspect prescription medications were the issue. 

They contacted her mother’s doctor and, after a few adjustments to the plan, things seemed to be getting back on track. 

However, Charlene’s mother seemed to call on her more and more frequently and that was adding stress to her life. As more stress and anxiety began to impact her, Charlene became a bit too resentful of her mother and the situation. Her mother never really said thank you for the work she was doing. 

​One evening, when she finally had a chance to be home, alone, with no interruptions, she started wondering why she was feeling this way. She didn’t like it. 

Charlene simply didn’t need gratitude. 

She didn’t need it and she didn’t want it. She began offering gratitude instead. Wherever she went, Charlene started saying thank you to anyone and everyone, from the person who held the door open a second longer so she could grab it, the checkout person at the supermarket, the young teenager who bagged the groceries, and just about everyone she came in contact with. 

That little bit of gratitude she shared helped her feel better. It eliminated a lot of stress. Charlene was onto something; when people offer gratitude, it provides a great feeling.
 
There are millions of family caregivers like Charlene all across the country dealing with so much stress and anxiety it sometimes feels impossible to get over or around. With a little bit of gratitude being extended, it can go a long way. 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Health Care Services Evanston IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

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