What are some strategies for preventing caregiver burnout?
Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, exhausted, cranky, and finding yourself withdrawing from friends? You could be experiencing Caregiver Burnout. What exactly is “Caregiver Burnout” and how can you deal with or prevent it?
Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. Burnout can happen at any time but typically it is caused by not getting additional help you and the loved one need, or if you are trying to do something more than able – physically or financially. Many caregivers feel guilty if they spend time on rather than on their ill or elderly loved ones.
I love this easy chart of the 3 stages of Caregiver Burnout. Quick and easy with excellent information.
How can you prevent Caregiver Burnout?
WebMD provides wonderful information on their website related to prevention. To learn more:
What Is Caregiver Burnout? - WebMD
Know your limits and do a reality check of your personal situation. Recognize and accept your potential for caregiver burnout.
Find someone you trust -- such as a friend, co-worker, or neighbor -- to talk to about how you feel.
Set realistic goals. Accept that you may need help and turn to others to handle some tasks.
Be realistic about the disease your loved one has, especially if it’s a progressive disease such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.
Set aside time for yourself, even if it's just an hour or two. Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity if you're going to be an effective caregiver.
Talk to a professional, such as a therapist, social worker, or clergy member.
Find caregiver support groups or workshops that can help you find ways to manage stress.
Educate yourself. The more you know about the illness, the more effective you’ll be as a caregiver.
Stay healthy by eating right and getting plenty of exercise and sleep.
If you want to help prevent burnout, consider turning to the following resources:
Home health services -- These agencies provide home health aides and nurses for short-term care if your loved one is acutely ill. Some agencies provide short-term respite care.
Adult day care -- These programs offer a place for seniors to socialize, take part in activities, and get needed medical care and other services.
Nursing homes or assisted living facilities -- These institutions sometimes offer short-term respite stays to provide caregivers a break.
Private care aides -- These professionals can help figure out your needs and coordinate care and services.
Caregiver support services -- These include support groups and other programs that can help caregivers recharge their batteries. You can also meet others with similar issues, get information, and find more resources.
Area agency or commission on aging -- Contact your local organization or your local chapter of the AARP for services available in your area.
National organizations -- Search online for local chapters of national organizations (such as Family Caregiver Alliance) that help people with illnesses such as Parkinson's disease or stroke. These groups can provide resources and information.
What helps me…
I make a weekly list of what needs to be done that week. Then I cross off all the non-essentials and highlight what others can do. I have finally learned that not everything needs to be done NOW or BY ME!
Walk away from the situation. It may only be around the block or in the neighborhood. It is your time to rest your mind.
When they rest – you rest.
Join a support group and make a new friend that “gets” what you are going through.
Your plate is full – I am learning to say NO to additional tasks, but I always leave room for dessert “Those things I want to do for me.”
Realizing that it is ok to be angry at the situation but not at the person. They are also frustrated.
This is a marathon, and you need to celebrate the small victories.
Let go of the past. The “would of and should Of’s” will drag you down. Look forward.
Journal your feelings but always close the day with 3 items of gratitude. It may seem hard at first. Somedays just journaling “everyone is still alive and I didn’t kill them- LOL” is all you can write.
For more information on what worked for us, check out “Stroke and the Spouse” available on Amazon or follow the code below to purchase.
Stroke Caregiver Connection…Because you care!