Caregiver Stress Syndrome | How to help a loved with CSS (Caregiver Stress Syndrome)

In our latest edition of our Caregiver Stress Syndrome Series (CSS), we are focusing on how family and friends can lend a helping hand to their loved one who is a Caregiver. But before we dive into our next post lets go over what we covered in our earlier posts: What is Caregiver Stress Syndrome? What are the signs of Caregiver Stress Syndrome? What can you do to help those who have it? Books for Caregivers and their families.

With that being said we have curated a list of things we as the loved one of a caregiver can do.

• Listen attentively - make eye contact, try not to interrupt them, and try to keep your mind from wandering (which can mean no judging, judgment, etc.), and mirror their emotions or energy to show them you are listening attentively.

• Don’t tell horror stories - keep stories you have heard from others to yourself and let your loved one talk on what they are experiencing.

• Don’t judge - this ties back into our first item on our list, try not to judge while listening to your loved on.

• Offer them the gift of your time & Ask/Say “What can I do to help” - offer your help when you can to take something off their plate.

• Give them space to unwind and relax

• Bring food

• Don’t exclude friend from invitations even if they always decline

And while things might look a little different right now due to social distancing guidelines but you can still be there for your loved ones.

Stay tuned for more on Caregiver Stress Syndrome.