For many, taking on the role of family caregiver is unfamiliar territory. While caring for a loved one is a worthwhile responsibility, it also can cause a significant amount of stress, exhaustion and sometimes even health issues. Because caregiving is emotionally and physically draining, it can lead to possible health issues for you – the family caregiver.
There are ways to help prevent family caregiver burnout, and it begins with recognizing the warning signs. Read about some of the signs to be mindful of, as well as what you can do prevent caregiver burnout.
Possible Warning Signs
Feeling depressed, anxious or helpless
Having trouble relaxing, even when you’re not providing care
Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
Purposely avoiding family and friends
Changes in weight (losing or gaining weight)
Lack of energy or constant exhaustion
Not taking care of your own health
Getting sick more often
Becoming progressively short-tempered with the loved one you are caring for
Keeping Burnout in Check
There are ways to help reduce, if not prevent, family caregiver burnout:
Confide in someone. Talk to a friend you trust, share your feelings of frustration and anger and just allow them to listen to you. Remember that it’s normal to have negative feelings. You could also find a support group in your area to discuss your experiences with others who are in a similar situation and can relate to what you’re going through.
Consider asking for assistance. Accept that you might need caregiving assistance. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from others who can share in the caregiving responsibility. Friends or family members might be able to provide a different perspective on the situation, offer guidance or advice and even step in to help relieve some of the burden.
Set aside time for you. Taking care of yourself is a necessity. Prioritize activities you enjoy, even if it’s for a short period of time. Taking a break to sit and relax or read a book, or getting out of the house to take a short walk can be enough to recharge and get some energy back. It’s also important to preserve your personal relationships by staying in touch with family and friends and spending time with them when you can.
Consider respite care services. Respite care services can offer temporary relief by having a professional caregiver come in and take care of your loved one. It allows you to take time off from your responsibilities as a primary caregiver so that you can focus on yourself. Caregivers are there to make sure your loved one is cared for in a safe, familiar environment while you take a much-needed break.
Maintain your own health. Eating well, exercising and getting plenty of sleep can keep you healthy so that you can better care for your loved one. Also consider daily meditation, which can help relieve stress and keep you relaxed. And don’t forget about your own doctor visits. When you get busy taking care of someone else, you often miss your own check-ups and appointments, which can lead to health issues down the road.
Accept the choice you’ve made. Acknowledge that you made a conscious choice to be a family caregiver, and remember all the positive reasons behind that choice. Recalling these reasons can help get you through some of the most difficult times. And there is no shame in finding ways to applaud yourself and what you’re doing, especially if you’re not getting appreciation from others.
if you’re caring for someone at the expense of taking care of yourself, it could lead to unintended consequences. Respite care services from FirstLight allow you to take time off from your responsibilities as a primary caregiver so you can focus on yourself for a while. Contact us today to learn more.
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FirstLight Home Care of Tri-Valley provides in-home care services to seniors, people with disabilities, patients needing recovery and rehabilitation services, veterans, and busy moms. We serve clients in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, mainly in Danville, Blackhawk, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, Castro Valley, Hayward, Livermore, and communities along the 680 Corridor of the East Bay.
For more information, email us at TriValley@FirstLightHomeCare.com or call us at 925-359-9250. You may also leave us a message here.