Burnout syndrome is an actual condition caused by chronic stress. It can impact your self-esteem, your energy levels, and physical comfort. Family caregivers who experience caregiver burnout may find themselves experiencing insomnia, headaches, difficulty concentrating, and anxiety.
In an AARP study, more than half of the surveyed family caregivers report not having a choice in providing care. A total of 64% of family caregivers reported feeling some level of emotional stress. More than 20% of family caregivers report feeling alone. When caregivers feel isolated and experience stress, caregiver burnout is more likely. It’s important to take steps to avoid burning out.
Practice Self-Care
Companion Care at Home in South Pasadena FL
Before you take care of others, take care of yourself. Keeping up with dental and medical appointments is just the beginning. Maintain strong social networks and spend as much time with friends as possible. Eat a balanced diet and get plenty of exercise.
Spend time on your own, too. Engage in a favorite hobby, take a long walk on your own, or volunteer somewhere fun. You might find that you can reduce stress by playing with dogs and cats at a local animal shelter.
Know Your Limits
You have to know your limits. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, do one of two things. Stop and tell others no. If you have family members, friends, or a boss asking more of you than you can give, say so.
The other thing you can do is ask for help. Ask your family members to step up and help your parents. If they can’t or won’t, it’s time to hire companion care at home for respite care.
Hire Professional Caregivers to Help Out
If being a family caregiver is too much, it’s not a sign of weakness. One of the strongest things you can do for yourself and your parents is to admit they’d get better care if you hired a professional. Think about it this way, if you needed your brakes repaired, would you feel safer hiring a professional mechanic or trusting a neighbor who’s relying on instincts?
What do you know about companion care at home services? If you haven’t called with a list of questions, it’s time. Learn more about having caregivers to help your parents from time to time. It would help if you had a break.
Companion care at home supports your parents with their desire to be independent in their home. It also allows you to take time off for self-care. Call to learn more.
Sources:
https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/ppi/2021/05/caregiving-in-the-united-states-50-plus.doi.10.26419-2Fppi.00103.022.pdf
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Companion Care at Home in South Pasadena, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
