Recognize the Top Signs of Caregiver Burnout

Interim HealthCare Blogs
Posted: 11/30/2017 8:30 AM by Interim HealthCare
Providing care for a senior loved one, while rewarding and fulfilling, is often also extremely stressful. Meeting the needs of another person naturally leads to a reduced amount of time to take care of our own needs. There’s no one who can do it all, and sooner or later, when caregivers attempt to go it alone, certain areas of life will begin to suffer: work, home and family, career, enjoyment of favorite pastimes, and both physical and emotional health. Add to that the common feelings of guilt that many caregivers share, and the level of stress is overwhelming.

Many times, family caregivers feel that since they know the senior better than anyone else, they’re the only ones who can provide needed care. But these types of thoughts can be extremely unhealthy, leading to undue stress, followed by caregiver burnout in which caregivers can display feelings of:
  • Hopelessness
  • Helplessness
  • Waning energy
  • Impatience
  • Short-temperedness
And it’s not only detrimental to the caregiver – symptoms such as these impact the senior being cared for as well.

The best way to combat – or alleviate – caregiver stress or burnout is for family caregivers to develop a strong network of support. Interim HealthCare’s in-home care professionals share the tips below to help prevent caregiver burnout and ease stress and tension:
  • Take control. A more positive outlook can be achieved sometimes by simply reminding ourselves that we are not helpless and are fully in control of the caregiving choices we make. We can decide if the current means of care are working well, or if a change needs to be made.
  • Relieve the guilt. It’s natural for family members to feel some responsibility for their senior loved one’s challenges, and to feel as though they aren’t doing enough. It’s important, however, for caregivers to understand that they’re doing the very best they can for their loved one, and to focus on the positives – enjoying an activity or meal with the senior, reminiscing over fond memories, experiencing the beauty of nature together.
  • Seek help. It may feel as though a family member is “giving up” by admitting the need for help with care, but partnering with trusted care providers, such as those at Interim HealthCare, will only enhance life for both the senior and family members.
Licensed by the state of New York and with all care overseen by a registered nurse, Interim HealthCare provides experienced, reliable in-home care to ensure that seniors are safe, healthy and thriving, while alleviating stress and the potential for caregiver burnout in family members. Contact us for more information on our senior care solutions by calling (518) 452-3655 in Albany, or at (518) 798-6811 in Glens Falls.

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