Most people think of burnout as something that only happens to celebrities or high-powered executives. The truth is, caregiver burnout can happen to anyone who provides care for another person – whether it’s a spouse, child, parent, or friend. Caregivers are often so busy caring for others that they neglect their own emotional, physical, and spiritual health. This can lead to fatigue, hopelessness, and ultimately burnout. In this article, we will discuss the signs of caregiver burnout and how you can prevent it from happening to you!
What are the signs that you may be approaching burnout as a family caregiver?
One of the first signs may be a change in attitude. Caregivers who are approaching burnout often go from being positive and caring, to negative and unconcerned. This change in attitude is usually accompanied by physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion.
Another sign that you may be approaching burnout is if you find yourself neglecting your own needs in order to care for the person you are helping. This can lead to feelings of resentment and frustration. It’s important to remember that you cannot pour from an empty cup – taking care of yourself is not selfish, it’s essential!
There have been numerous studies on Caregiver burnout, and here are some of the most concerning findings. (From Cargiver.org)
- Caregiving can result in feeling a loss of self-identity, lower levels of self-esteem, constant worry, or feelings of uncertainty.30 Caregivers have less self-acceptance and feel less effective and less in control of their lives than non-caregivers.31, 32
- More than one-fifth (22%) of caregivers are exhausted when they go to bed at night, and many feel they cannot handle all their caregiving responsibilities.33
- Caregivers who experience chronic stress may be at greater risk for cognitive decline including a loss in short-term memory, attention, and verbal IQ.35
If you are a caregiver, it’s important to be aware of the signs of burnout and take steps to prevent it. Here are some simple tips that can help you prevent burnout:
- Get Organized
Caregiving can be a lot easier if you’re organized. Create a schedule and stick to it as much as possible. This will help you keep track of appointments, medications, and other important tasks.
- Ask for Help
Don’t try to do everything yourself! Ask friends and family for help when you need it.
- Take Breaks
Caregiving can be draining, both emotionally and physically. Make sure to take breaks when you need them. Go for a walk, read your favorite book or just take some time for yourself.
- Seek Support
There are many support groups available for caregivers. This is a great way to meet other people in similar situations and to get advice and support.
- Use Technology
Connected Caregiver™ provides tools for safety monitoring and remote health monitoring. These tools can help you gain confidence in your ability to care for your loved one with tools that give you peace of mind throughout your day!
If you are a caregiver, it’s important to be aware of the signs of burnout and take steps to prevent it. Your loved ones and the people you care for depend on you, so it’s essential that you take care of yourself. With a little planning and some help from friends and family, you can prevent caregiver burnout!