Being a caregiver can be extremely stressful – and caregiver burnout is real. According to the Cleveland Clinic, caregiver burnout often happens when caregivers aren’t getting the help they need – they may be stretched too thin and trying to do more than they can physically or mentally handle.
Warning Signs of Caregiver Burnout
Caregiver burnout is associated with feelings of disengagement and discouragement, making it difficult to identify. Signs that you may be experiencing caregiver burnout include:
- Lack of energy
- Overwhelming fatigue
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Changes in eating habits; weight loss or weight gain
- A feeling of hopelessness
- Withdrawing from, or losing interest in, activities you once enjoyed
- Neglecting your own emotional and physical needs
- Feeling like caregiving is controlling your life
- Becoming unusually impatient, irritable, or argumentative with the person you’re caring for and/or others
- Anxiety about the future
- Depression or mood swings
- Difficulty coping with routine, everyday events
- Headaches, stomachaches, and other physical problems
- Lowered resistance to illness
If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs and you or your loved ones are concerned, see your doctor as soon as possible. Caregiver burnout can be treated; there’s no reason to suffer unnecessarily.
Preventing Caregiver Burnout
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” applies to caregiver burnout. Here are five helpful tips to help you prevent it from happening to you.
Ask for help
You’re not a failure as a caregiver if you need help now and then. If you ask, family and friends will probably be happy to assist. Respite care from a home health care agency can also help you recharge and refresh when you need it.
Take breaks
Get out of the house. Schedule time to visit with friends, take in a movie or enjoy a walk in your favorite park. Make time to pamper yourself by taking a long bath. Regular breaks and rest periods are essential to maintaining good mental, physical, and emotional health.
Practice good self-care
Don’t skip doctor’s appointments or regular check-ups because you feel you don’t have the time. Eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep. You can’t take good care of someone else for long if you’re not taking good care of yourself.
Make a list of your daily activities and tasks
Is there anything you can delegate? For example, maybe your spouse can prepare dinner twice a week, or a friend can run errands for you or help out with the laundry. Most people love to help when they’re asked.
Find a caregiver support group
Many communities offer support groups for caregivers. Check out this online resource to find support and caregiver meet-ups in your area.
Practicing these tips will help you be a better caregiver and a healthier, happier person.
If you are seeking care for yourself or a loved one living in Bedford, Winchester, Concord Massachusetts, or throughout the Northwest Boston area, Assisting Hands Home Care is here for you. We can step in anytime you need us and assist with companionship services, personal care, hourly care, dementia care, respite care, and more.
Contact us today at (781) 514-6172 for a free consultation to discuss your care needs. We serve many communities in the Greater Boston Area, and we’d be happy to create a personalized care plan for you and your family.
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