Handling Everyday Hassles on the Job

Adapted from: Ballard, Edna. Managing Grief and Bereavement. Duke University Medical Center, 1989.

 Often when you are feeling especially stressed, the patient, sensitive to your mood, will respond by acting up, creating even more stress and pressure. Much of what happens during the day is not within your control, but how you handle the situation is. Caregivers cope better when they are aware of and make use of techniques to manage the causes of stress. Some helpful tips:
  • Know your stressors. What tends to upset you? Learn to recognize your physical symptoms of stress, such as headache, stiff shoulders, stomachache, etc. These are your clues to pay attention and take action.
  • Learn to control your stressors. Analyze the situation. Can you avoid or make the situation less intense for you and/or your patient? Always ask the question, "Is this really a problem?" or "Am I overreacting out of fatigue, anger, frustration, etc.?" How often does the problem occur? Does it really happen that often? Keep a record.
  • Expect the unexpected. In caring for Alzheimer's patients, prioritize important tasks but be flexible if the day doesn't go as you planned.
  • Take the patient's perspective. Is his behavior a reasonable response given the reality of his situation? He may ask you the same question 10 times within the hour because he can't remember that he asked before. It really is new information for him each time.
  • Get help. Talk to coworkers and supervisors about the cause of your stress. They may have suggestions to help solve the situation.
  • Develop and practice stress-reducing rituals. Activities such as playing cards, walking, meditating, praying, and anything that has a calming effect on you are good examples. Do things you enjoy and do them regularly to prevent a buildup of stress. Prolonged stress can lead to physical illness and affect how you feel about your job and your patient.
  • Know your limitations and the limitations of your patient. Remember your patient's behavior is the result of his disease. His limitations are often as frustrating to him as they may be to you.
  • Be content with doing the best job you can for the patient at this time. The person with Alzheimer's Disease does not get better. Still, that individual deserves the best care we can give him. He still appreciates warmth, kindness, and caring.
  • Have fun. Be good to yourself. Humor may be your best antidote. Try to incorporate humor in you life on a regular basis. Caregiving is easier when we can find light moments in what is often a very serious, demanding job.

Compiled by the Lincoln/Greater Nebraska Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 1999.