How to Care for Yourself While Experiencing Caregiver Burnout?

The number of people who provide care to others has risen significantly. Today, one in five Americans- nearly 53 million work as caregivers.

Unpaid caregivers, popularly known as informal caregivers or family caregivers, offer assistance to at least one friend or relative who requires help because of a disability, disease, or another condition.

Unsurprisingly, caregivers experience burnout- emotionally, mentally, and physically.

As baby boomers age and need additional care, healthcare systems are finding it challenging to navigate the increasing caregiver demand and worry about putting caregivers at a greater risk of burnout.

What is Caregiver Burnout?

Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. This may be accompanied by a change in attitude, from caring and positive to unconcerned and hostile. Burnout usually occurs when caregivers don’t get the necessary help they need or if they offer more than they’re able to manage on their own.

Caregivers also feel guilty when they spend time on themselves instead of caring for their elderly loved ones. Caregivers who’re burned out tend to experience anxiety, stress, depression, and fatigue.

What are the Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout?

The symptoms of caregiver burnout are more or less similar to stress and depression. Some of the most common ones include:

1. Withdrawal from family and friends.
2. Decreased interest in activities you once enjoyed.
3. Feeling hopeless, blue, irritable, and helpless.
4. Changes in weight, appetite, and both.
5. Getting sick more often.
6. Change in sleep patterns.
7. Experiencing a lack of energy.
8. Neglecting your health.
9. Feeling like you’re losing control of your life.
10. Physical and emotional exhaustion.

What are the Ways to Treat and Prevent Caregiver Burnout?

It’s crucial to be aware of the warning signs of caregiver burnout to recognize when you may experience it. In addition, there are several things a caregiver can do to practice self-care and prevent burnout.

Some of these include:

• Ask for help: Being a caregiver for the elderly doesn’t mean you’ve to manage everything independently. Remember that it’s okay to ask friends and family to share some of your caregiving tasks.
• Get Support: Conversing about what you’re going through and getting help from friends, family, or a support group works wonders in processing your emotions and feelings. Holding everything in adds to depression and contributes to overwhelming feelings. Seek professional counseling if required.
• Be Honest: Know what you can do and what you cannot. Do all the tasks you can and delegate the rest to other people. Always say no to tasks that you think will be stressful or tasks when you won’t have time to do.
• Speak to Other Caregivers: Speaking to other in-home caregivers will help you get the required support, allowing you to get the support and motivation for others going through similar situations.
• Attend Social Activities: Never miss opportunities like meeting with friends, doing things you enjoy, and continuing your hobbies. This will help you maintain happiness and avoid isolating yourself. Ensure that the activity enables you to escape from your usual caregiving setting and daily routine.
• Pay Attention to Your Health, Feelings, and Needs: It can be easy to forget to care for yourself when you’re a caregiver, be sure to take time for yourself. Make time for regular doctor appointments, including taking your medications, preventive care, and seeing a doctor when you feel sick.
• Exercise Daily: As a caregiver, you’ll be able to care for yourself and others only when you’re fit and healthy. Exercising is a fantastic way to increase energy, relieve stress, and take time for yourself. It also eliminates depression.
• Maintain a Sleep Schedule: Getting enough rest is essential as it safeguards your well-being and helps maintain your stamina.

Maintaining a healthy mind, spirit, and body is essential for both the well-being of yourself and your loved one. Have a caregiver toolkit to keep things organized & balanced. The toolkit can be your go-to resource that you can use when you experience burnout warning signs.

Key Takeaways

Caregiver burnout occurs when the stress and burden of caring for an older adult become overwhelming. This causes a decline in both the caregiver’s physical and mental health. However, remember that burnout is common, and you aren’t responsible for causing it.

Most importantly, know the warning signs to recognize and prevent burnout before it happens. All of these tips will help you avoid burnout and lead healthier lives.