In the month of November, Chris Espedal asked some people who care for those with cognitive disabilities, mental health issues, and more significant physical difficulties to discuss what happens when the job is too much stress. Thirteen caregivers from various parts of California reported feelings of nausea, anxiety, breathlessness, increased heart rates, and other symptoms of distress after congregating in an online Zoom conference. This information was not only shared in a story by Media News Group NorCal. One person exclaimed, “I feel like shouting!” indicating it could be reprinted without any cost. Another participant spoke up and said, “I am so tired.” Espedal then directed the class to practice a self-care exercises, telling them, “Inhale for four counts, pause for four seconds, then exhale for four.” She instructed them to allocate some time for themselves, for example aiming to finish an entire book, and reminded them to take care of basic necessities, such as eating, sleeping, and exercising. Espedal urged not to be scared to seek assistance. She stated that taking care of oneself was one of the best methods for providing care for their customers, likely someone related close to them. The session appears to involve emotionally sensitive topics. The California Department of Social Services insists that providing multiple incentives is necessary for them to attract and retain caregivers for their program that is offered to 203,000 people with a low-income who are old or have disabilities and would like to stay in their home instead of being put into an assisted living facility.
