Understanding the signs and symptoms of caregiver stress and tools to start reducing stress.

1. I don’t think we’re in OZ anymore Peggy Naugle, CIRS-A, BCII Area Agency on Aging of Central Texas (AAACT) a partner of the Central Texas Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)

3. Welcome to their world Introducing the Caregiver Wave

4. Symptom Cycle ANGER DENIAL SLEEP DEPRIVATION HEALTH PROBLEMS IRRITABILITY ISOLATION LOSS OF CONCENTRATION EXHAUSTION ANXIETY DEPRESSION CDSMP – Stanford University

5. Loss of Concentration "the ability to direct one's thinking in whatever direction one would intend“ STOP ATTENDING WORRY TIME ACTIVE LEARNING

6. ANGER Modern psychologists view anger as a primary, natural, and mature emotion experienced by all humans at times, and as something that has functional value for survival. High Blood Pressure Increased Heart Rate Increased Adrenaline Relaxation Cognitive Restructuring Problem Solving Better Communication Humor Counseling

10. Irritability “ Why do you always fall asleep on the table?” “ You haven’t taken your pills yet!” “ Please, not today, can’t you hurry up!” That’s your second donut!! *Warning Sign #1 An excessive response to stimuli (something external that influences an activity)