As a family caregiver, you step up every day to give your loved one the care and support they need. It’s meaningful and rewarding—but it’s also a full-time job. And like any other kind of work, you can’t go too long without a break.

No matter how determined and well-intentioned you are, you can’t give your loved one the quality care they deserve when you’re burnt out and overwhelmed. And if you’re always in the caregiving role, it’s hard to connect with them as a family member.

That’s why many family caregivers rely on assistance from professional home care. With a capable, compassionate caregiver helping out, you can take time out to recharge, engage in your own life or just get some quality time with your loved one.

But it can be hard to tell when dedication starts to feel more like obligation. Rest always sounds nice, but how do you know when it becomes a need?

There’s no answer that fits everyone, but in our years helping family caregivers, we’ve identified a number of key signals that it may be time for some help. Here’s how to spot those signs in your loved one and yourself.

Early Signs a Senior Needs Home Care

Seniors’ needs increase over time, and at some point, it’s better to get help from a professional trained to meet those needs. Here are common signals that your loved one could use help from a professional caregiver: 

• Forgetfulness: Are they forgetting their keys, purse, wallet or phone? Is their house full of sticky notes or other reminders?
• Lack of hygiene: Do they smell bad? Are they changing clothes or bathing less often—either because they forgot or because they’re worried about falling? 
• Messy home: Is their house dirtier or more disorganized than usual?
• Not taking medications: Are they forgetting medications or struggling to take them properly?
• Trouble eating: Are they eating less than they used to? Are they losing weight? Is the fridge empty or full of expired food?
• Medical issues: Are they having trouble managing any conditions? Do they have any new medical issues? 

Signs That Family Caregivers Might Need Help

We’ve seen it firsthand: Family caregivers who find the time to rest and recover can offer better, more sustainable care for their loved one and engage in their own lives. If you learn how to gauge your own needs and identify when your tank is low, you’ll be able to prevent burnout before it sets in.

Here are some of the most common signs that it may be time to ask for help:

You’re Hiring Childcare

Are you missing school plays or Little League games? Do you find yourself hiring a babysitter more and more often so you can care for your loved one?

Parenting and family caregiving are both immense responsibilities. Combine them, and you’ve got too much for any one person to handle. A caregiver can ease the stress and give you the time to be there for your children.

You’re Missing Work

Are you missing meetings and deadlines? Do you find yourself calling out frequently for doctors appointments? When caregiving is intruding on your career, it’s time to reach out for help.

With help from a professional caregiver, you can reclaim some of your lost bandwidth so you can focus on work, knowing your loved one is in capable hands. We’ve provided the support many family caregivers need to return to the office. 

You’re Withdrawing From Your Own Life

Are you skipping out on family obligations and social events? Do you find yourself rescheduling appointments or struggling with your own chores and errands?

At times, the demands of family caregiving can make you feel disconnected from your own life. A professional caregiver can give you the time to re-engage, take care of yourself and connect with your community.

You Feel Like It’s a Job

Family caregiving is a full-time job, but it shouldn’t have to feel like one. When caring for your loved one starts to feel like a job, it can quickly cause burnout and frustration. And that makes it hard to truly connect as a family member.

If you feel stuck in your caregiving role, a professional caregiver can help. With a professional handling your loved one’s needs, you’re free to schedule some much-needed time for yourself.

You’re Losing Sleep

Family caregiving can leave you feeling tense or agitated, making it hard to get a good night’s sleep. If you’re lying awake worried about your loved one or waking up frequently to check on them, it’s a sure sign you could use a hand.

With a capable caregiver on hand, you can take the time to step back and get the rest you need.

You’re Frustrated or Resentful

Many family caregivers start to feel frustrated or even resentful, especially when they aren’t receiving the support they need. It can cause tension that affects entire families; we’ve even seen situations severe enough where the courts have had to intervene.

You shouldn’t have to carry around frustration or resentment when your goal is to provide care. A professional caregiver can offer you the space to relax and cool down so you can focus on being a family member again.

You’re Burnt Out 

Does every day feel exhausting? Does the thought of caring for your loved one make you feel sad or overwhelmed? You might be experiencing burnout.

Burnout is more than just a feeling: It’s a medical condition caused by long-term exhaustion. And it seriously reduces your ability to offer quality care.

The simple cure for burnout is rest, and a caregiver can make that possible. With a professional you trust handling your loved one’s needs, you can rest easy—literally.

To Care For Your Loved One, Care For Yourself

Caring for a family member is meaningful and rewarding, but it’s also challenging. To offer sustainable long-term care, you need to take care of yourself as well. 

FirstLight Home Care of Bronxville is here to help. Our skilled and compassionate caregivers can keep your loved one safe and comfortable, giving you the time to rest up and engage in your own life.
Reaching out for help can feel impossible when you’re already burnt out, so don’t wait until you’re already exhausted. Contact us today to arrange for the support you need to connect with your loved one again.