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Caregivers are often so concerned with caring for their relatives needs that they lose sight of their own well being. Please take just a moment to answer the following questions. Once you have answered the questions, take part in the self evaluation at the end of the quiz.
During the past week or so, I have
1. Had trouble keeping my mind on what I was doing Yes ....No
2. Felt that I couldnt leave my relative alone ................Yes ....No
3. Had difficulty making decisions ....................... Yes....No
4. Felt completely overwhelmed ............Yes ....No
5. Felt useful and needed ..................................Yes ....No
6. Felt lonely .............................................................Yes ....No
7. Been upset that my relative has changed so much from his/her former self..............Yes ....No
8. Felt a loss of privacy and/or personal time ...............Yes ....No
9. Been edgy or irritable ...............................................Yes ....No
10. Had sleep disturbed because of caring for my relative Yes ....No
11. Had a crying spell(s) .....................................Yes ....No
12. Felt strained between work and family responsibilities Yes ....No
13. Had back pain .................................................... Yes ....No
14. Felt ill (headaches, stomach problems or common cold) Yes ....No
15. Been satisfied with the support my family has given me . Yes ....No
16. Found my relatives living situation to be inconvenient or a barrier to care ..................................Yes ....No
17. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being not stressful to 10 being extremely stressful please rate your current level of stress.
18. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being very healthy to 10 being very ill, please rate your current health compared to what it was at this time last year
Self evaluation:
To determine the score:
1. Reverse answers on questions 5 and 15. (For example, a no response should be counted as yes and a yes response should be counted as no.
2. Total the number of yes responses.
To interpret the score: Chances are that you are experiencing a high degree of distress: if you answered yes to either or both questions 4 and 11; or if your total yes score = 10 or more; or if your score on question 17 and/or 18 is 6 or higher.
Helpful caregiver tips
Take care of your own health. See your doctor regularly, eat healthy and try to find time for daily exercise. Taking care of yourself allows you to better care for your loved one.
Let your loved one know you care. Talk with them, listen and ask for their advice. You can discuss your own concerns as well as theirs. Let them know you care by treating them with the kind of dignity and respect you prefer for yourself.
Dont try to do everything! Taking on everything is not good for you or your loved one. Allow your loved one to perform tasks he/she is capable of. This helps to reinforce their independence and dignity and lessens your responsibilities. Ask for help from relatives or friends.
Accept your own limitations. As caregiver, you have the right to say what you can and cannot do. Be clear on what you can do. This helps to relieve some frustration for both you and your loved one.
Utilize outside services and resources. Contact the Information and Referral Department at Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. (499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242). Visit the Gallagher Alzheimers Resource Center at Elder Services, 66 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield.
Creativity and laughter are your best friends! Break up the routine of daily care. Find activities that you as caregiver can take part in on your own, and also activities you can share with your loved one. Encourage friends and relatives to visit.
The quiz and information provided by the American Medical Association.