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The Importance of Counseling for Caregivers

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Caregivers are in a unique position to provide care for the physical, mental and spiritual needs of parents and other loved ones. However, who cares for the caregiver’s needs? Caregiving is a mentally and physically demanding task (and often thankless) that takes its toll, not only in aching muscles and bones, but also in the psyche and spirit. Understanding the need for counseling, when necessary, helps caregivers to maintain quality of care and positive outlooks when charged with another's care.

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195Austin said
Sep 2, 2008

I did not even realize how angery I was until my therpisist pointed it out and it did take a long time to learn how to cope with my problems but when she told me no one was going to recuse me which I was waiting for- I had to rescue myself which I did even though I was angery with her for telling me that- now that I have I really feel good about myself and everyone tells me how good I look and for the first time ever I am happy and content- the problems are still there but now I feel I can deal with them and still have a life besides being a caregiver,

anne123 said
Jun 5, 2010

This article recommends finding someone we caregivers can talk to openly about our challenges with caring for our elders. I have found that it is more helpful for me to express myself on this forum than with friends. That's why I feel that agingcare.com is such a necessary and productive resource.

MrsGrasshopper said
Jun 5, 2010

I appreciate the advice and understanding I receive from this program. My mother is 97 years old with dementia. She is becoming more and more beligerent and helpless at the same time. I know I need to get out more if not for my sake for my husband's sake. He helps me so much and puts up with her behavior. I can afford to get away but I am always afraid a cargiver will abuse her while I am away any length of time. How do you overcome this feeling. I feel that I am now seriously endangering my mental and physical health.

JamesJHC said
Jun 5, 2010

I feel like I am about to go crazy!!!! My mother was diagnosed with Dementia two years ago. I try going to school and work, plus make sure she is taken care of. She is a very needy person and had every medical problem she sees on tv. Sometimes I'm not sure if the problems are real or just a way to get attention. I don't have family close by, so this leaves me to try and handle everything. She lives with me, and gets very angry if I don't spend every minute with her. I keep taking her to the doctor and they say that nothing is wrong with her. What do I do now?

spiralli said
Jun 5, 2010

Oh I totally get the hypochandriac mother thing! Mine is exactly the same, its really hard, I feel for you SO much.

I need to see a therapist but my insurance does not cover it. Do any of you have any suggestions? I need someone who is aquainted with Dementia care giving. Help Please and Thank you!

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