Family caregivers often operate in “emergency mode,” running elderly or disabled loved ones to appointments, doing their shopping, cleaning, and providing personal care, all while trying to maintain a job and a personal life. Long-term exposure to stress can lead to serious health problems, as chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in the body. It can:
- Raise blood pressure
- Suppress the immune system
- Increase the risk of heart attack and stroke
- Speed up the aging process
- And long-term, stress can even rewire the brain, leaving employees more vulnerable to anxiety and depression
The result of long-term exposure to stress for employees will be more absences and increased healthcare benefit utilization. If you notice symptoms of stress in an employee such as inability to concentrate, changing work habits, disorganization, bad moods and unrealistic judgments, steps can be taken to assist through a respite care benefits program or caregiving referral.
Family caregivers need a strong support system both at home and at work. Visiting Angels of the San Francisco Bay Area can help alleviate some of the responsibilities and pressures of family caregiving. Contact us in Alameda County at (510) 284-0000 or in Santa Clara County at (408) 735-0977.