3 Tips to Avoid Caregiver Burnout

Being a caregiver is just as stressful as it is rewarding. This stress can be compounded when your loved one suffers from difficult illnesses like Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia because the care and supervision needed are dramatically increased.

Sometimes people suffer from something called caregiver burnout. This ailment occurs when the physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion required to care for someone becomes too much. Symptoms range from anxiety and depression to a lowered immune system and impaired cognitive functioning. Symptoms may even include feelings of anger or resentment towards the loved one you take care of.

Many assume that pushing through is the best way to handle situations, but caregiver burnout can make it unsafe for both you and the person you care for. Taking care of yourself as a first priority is necessary to fulfill your role as caregiver.

The easiest way to combat caregiver burnout is to take advantage of the available resources. No one person can do everything without help. Here are a few resources to take advantage of.

1. Adult Day Care

Adult day care allows for your loved one to interact with others in a structured, safe environment so you can have a short break. Options include emergency care or anywhere between one and five days a week. Days can last up to ten hours in some cases, which would enable you to work or take care of things around the home.

Some caregivers feel guilty about using an adult day care center to care for their loved one, but they really shouldn’t. In fact, by allowing yourself time to take care of your own needs and errands you are better able to care for your loved one.

2. Overnight Facilities

One of the primary culprits in the advancement of caregiver burnout is sleep deprivation. Caregivers go to bed late, are up early, and may be woken up throughout the night. Taking advantage of overnight facilities for one or two nights a month can allow you to catch up on some much-needed rest. These facilities are staffed with caring medical professionals, so you can be certain your loved one is safe.

Outside of overnight facilities it can be difficult to get a night off. Seniors with high-needs like those suffering from dementia cannot be left with just anyone, nor can they be left to their own devices for any extended period. Even if you only use an overnight facility on an on-demand or once a month basis, the break can be highly rewarding. Whether you decide to go out with friends or get some much-needed sleep you will feel rejuvenated in the morning.

3. Personal Networks

One of the most affordable, easily accessible resources is your own personal network. Ask your capable family members or close friends if they could assist you in caring for their loved one. While you may take over the majority of care having someone to keep your loved one company for a few hours a week can be a huge help.

If, for example, you care for your mother full time you could ask your sister to care for her once a week for a few hours. Your sister may not be as adept at caring for your mother, but she is perfectly capable to sit in for a few hours. If you have a spouse you may ask them to assist for a few hours after work one day, or you might even have a cousin who could stay in the home while your mother sleeps and you do the grocery shopping.

For more information on senior care or services contact us today.