Caregiver Burnout – What Is It & How Can You Prevent It?

– Caregiver Burnout –

What Is It & How Can You Prevent It?

Choose Your Home Care Agency Wisely! Four (4) Key Areas To Consider.

Being a caregiver for a loved one can be a rewarding experience that can also come with its fair share of stressors and downsides.

It’s not surprising that most caregivers eventually suffer from Caregiver Burnout. Especially when we consider all of the changes in their family situation & lives, the added financial pressures and the additional workload that comes with being the primary caregiver.

Learn what it is and how to prevent it

Caregiver Burnout – What Is It & How Can You Prevent It

It is very important to watch for the warning signs of Caregiver Burnout and to take that positive steps to help alleviate burnout immediately!

The sad truth is that if you burn out emotionally and physically, it’s no longer a healthy or safe environment for you or the one you care for. 

Caregiver Burnout – What Is It & How Can You Prevent It?

What is Caregiver Burnout?

Caregiver Burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion followed by negative changes in the caregiver’s behavior. A caregiver with burnout can easily go from being upbeat, positive, and supportive, to feeling depressed, stressed, impatient and even angry.

Common Signs of Caregiver Burnout:

• • Irritability, Anxiety, Depression
  • Emotional and/or physical exhaustion
  • Withdrawing from family or friends
  • Trouble concentrating and sleeping
  • Cutting back on leisure activities
  • Becoming impatient and resentful of the person they care for
  • Reacting with anger to situations that did not cause anger before
  • Overreacting to minor challenges
  • Becoming sick more frequently than usual

What Causes Caregiver Burnout?

Simply stated, caregiver burnout happens when you, as the caregiver, become so focused on caring for your loved one that you forget to care for yourself.

As the caregiver, you take on more responsibility than is healthy on an emotional, physical & spiritual level.

Your sole focus becomes being ‘The Caregiver’ –  At this point, you no longer have the energy needed to care of yourself, let alone your loved one…

Common Causes of Caregiver Burnout:

• • Role Confusion – As the caregiver, you no longer recognize your role as a lover, friend, spouse, or child and identifies only as a caregiver.
  • Denial of the Condition – Beginning to expect an unrealistically happy outcome or have no hopes for recovery at all.
  • Lack of Situational Control – You become completely overwhelmed with planning, managing, taking care of the home, handling finances, providing 24/7 care and so much more.
  • Feels Overworked / All Alone – You take on unreasonable expectations of yourself and believe it is your duty to do it all.
  • Neglecting Your Own Needs – You become too busy and tired to care about taking care of yourself.
  • Life Revolves Around Caregiving – You no longer have any leisure time or downtime to regroup and practice self-care for yourself.
  • Unreasonable Demands – These demands can be placed on the caregiver by family, friends and even the one they are caring for.

How Can You Prevent Caregiver Burnout?

• • Give Yourself a Break – Enjoy some free time, de-stress, recharge your batteries and do something you love. You’ll feel happier, more energetic, and focused — and, be a better caregiver.
  • Take Care of Your Health – Exercise, meditate, relax daily, eat well, and get enough sleep.
  • Practice Accepting The Situation & Join a Support Group – It can be difficult to accept the unfairness of a loved one’s illness or the burden of caregiving. Try to avoid feeling sorry for yourself or searching for someone to blame – focus on accepting the situation.

You are not alone. There are many support groups you can attend with others in the same situation. If you can’t leave the house, join an online support group!  Check out → Kokua Mau’s List of Support Groups.

• • Ask for Help – Get help from friends and family — have them run errands, bring a hot meal, or “baby-sit” so you can take a break!  It’s crucial for your health and well-being.
  • Take a caregiver self-assessment questionnaire  developed by the American Medical Association and recommended by the American Psychological Association and determine your level of stress.
  • Hire a Care Giving Agency – Ohana Care Maui can help prevent Caregiver Burnout by providing highly personalized care for your loved one, and giving you the emotional and physical downtime you need.  Our knowledgeable, highly skilled staff, is available 24/7 with multiple care options available for all ages of clients.

Caregiver Burnout – What Is It & How Can You Prevent It?

What Can We Do For Your Ohana?

Start attending Family Caregiver Workshops, like the ones Ohana Care Maui offers, to help you learn more about being a caregiver and get practical tips & techniques about caring for yourself AND your loved one.

We Call It ‘Client & Family Support’.    —    You’ll Call It Exceptional Care.

Ohana Care Maui clients receive the highest quality care from Day #1  —   we ensure you get the respite you need so your loved one can live at home safely and enjoy the skilled, compassionate, professional care they deserve.

For more information check out the articles below:

Choose Your Home Care Agency Wisely! Four (4) Key Areas To Consider.

In-home Care Or Assisted Living – Which One Is Best For You?

Ohana Care Maui Exceptional Care You Can Count On.

Call Today for Free, Customized In-Home Care Consultation

From respite care to bedbound care and everything in between — including Dementia & Alzheimer’s.

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808-344-1285

OhanaCareMaui.com