73 The adverse mental health consequences were frequent, particularly the development of depression, anxiety, and hostility or anger. There also exists a significant amount of research on stress or “burnout” in people in various helping professions, including nursing home staff and staff caring for persons with dementia.116-121 Stress is the combination of the body’s physical,

mental, and chemical Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical responses to demands. Occupational stress has been defined as the psychological or physical discomfort associated with work that is characterized by heavy demands and limited control over working conditions.112 Nursing home employees have been found to be at significant risk for high levels of occupational stress. Contributing factors SRT1720 mouse include the physical and emotional demands of the work, the negative perception of longterm care is reinforced by low wages, and few options for career advancement and/or recognition. Consequences of this stress include the adverse mental health states previously mentioned as well a loss of self-esteem, Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical loss of mastery or control over work situations, and increased absenteeism, lateness, utilization of sick leave and health benefits, and staff turnover. In addition, stressed caregivers Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical may stereotype the elderly.122 This can lead to diminished expectations about the nursing home resident, and the

transference of this belief onto the resident.123 Stressed caregiver behaviors also include childlike treatment of residents, indiscriminate restraint use, and physical and verbal abuse.117 Self-care interventions Learning ways to reduce and handle Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical chronic stress requires a change in lifestyle. Stress reduction techniques can range from very simple to highly specialized biobchavioral treatment. A holistic approach to reducing stress should Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical include learning new coping skills, such as the ability to set limits, problem solving, and the practice of positive thinking. The overall goal should be a healthy lifestyle that combines self-care interventions as well as opportunities for education,

support, and a. responsive work environment. One popular stress-relieving technique is known as the relaxation response. This response produces a relaxed state with reduced breathing and heart rate. A relaxed state is accomplished by sitting quietly, closing one’s eyes, while relaxing muscles progressively from the feet to the head and breathing deeply for 15 to 20 minutes.124 Other similar interventions include first imagery techniques such as visualization, guided imagery, active remembering, meditation, chanting, channeling, and listening to calming music. A healthy lifestyle includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest. A nutritionally sound diet should limit alcohol, caffeine, and sugar intake. Also to be avoided are skipped and hurried meals, as well as chronic dieting. Exercise has been found to be a stress reliever.