Caregiver Burnout

Being a caregiver is hard. Someone who used to be able to, or should have been able to take care of themselves, can't. It falls often falls on those who love them to help them with things they need, and become caregivers. No matter how enthusiastically one goes into caring for their parent, siblings, children, and friends who need them life often makes fools of us all. The most dutiful of caregivers become distant and frustrated, then guilty that caregiving for someone they love so much has become overwhelming. It's not only understandable its diagnosable. Caregiver burnout.

Symptoms of Caregiver burnout include;

• Emotional and physical exhaustion.

• Withdrawal from friends, family and other loved ones.

• Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed.

• Feeling hopeless and helpless.

• Changes in appetite and/or weight.

• Changes in sleep patterns.

• Unable to concentrate.

• Getting sick more often.

• Irritability, frustration or anger toward others.

  (per the Cleveland Clinic)

That's just the short list. Like any mental illness the severe stress that caring for loved ones causes different reactions in different people.

So, maybe you have begun to recognize symptoms of burnout in yourself. What do you do now? How can you take care of both your loved one, and yourself?

• Ask for and accept help. Make a list of ways in which others can help you. Then let them choose how to help. Ideas include taking regular walks with the person you care for, cooking a meal for you and helping with medical appointments.

• Focus on what you can do. At times, you might feel like you're not doing enough. But no one is a perfect caregiver. Believe that you're doing the best you can.

• Set goals you can reach. Break large tasks into smaller steps that you can do one at a time. Make lists of what's most important. Follow a daily routine. Say no to requests that are draining, such as hosting meals for holidays or other occasions.

• Get connected. Learn about caregiving resources in your area. There might be classes you can take. You might find caregiving services such as rides, meal delivery or house cleaning.

• Seek social support. Stay connected to family and friends who support you. Make time each week to visit with someone, even if it's just a walk or a quick cup of coffee.

• Take care of your health. Taking care of you, is the best way to take care of them.

• See your health care professional. Catch up on the visits you have been skipping to take care of your loved one. Tell your health care professional that you're a caregiver. Talk about worries or symptoms you have.

  (per Mayo Clinic)

Unfortunately in some circumstances even self care, and societal assistance isn't enough to help bear the heavy emotional load of caregiving. For people in those circumstances there are still options,

• In-home respite. Health care aides come to your home to spend time with your loved one or give nursing services or both.

• Adult care centers and programs. There are centers that give day care for older adults. Some also care for young children. The two groups might spend time together.

• Short-term nursing homes. Some assisted living homes, memory care homes and nursing homes accept people who need care for short stays while caregivers are away.

  (per Mayo Clinic)

There is no shame in admitting when caregiver burnout has become too much. Options like the ones above are great for caregivers, and it can even be beneficial for the loved one they have been caring for.

Resources for Caregivers Experiencing Burnout:

• https://www.caregiveraction.org/helpdesk/

• https://archrespite.org

• https://www.alz.org

• https://www.caregiver.org

Sources:

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/caregiver-stress/art-20044784

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9225-caregiver-burnout

If you are experiencing caregiver burnout in Utah feel free to reach out to J. Jackson services. We are a caregiving company, who would love to help you feel like you again.