What Is Senior Caregiver Burnout in Opelika, AL?
As a senior caregiver, you know that there are many rewards to the work, from getting to know your family member better to the satisfaction of knowing that you’re helping a loved one stay in their home rather than “a home”. But what happens if you start to feel tired or stressed out and aren’t able to rid yourself of those feelings? It could lead to a state of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion known as caregiver burnout.
Did you know Alzheimer’s disease and other mental health conditions are more stressful for caregivers than dealing with physical ailments?
At Comfort Keepers Home Care serving Opelika, AL, and the surrounding area, we know how hard it can be to deal with feelings of burnout. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the most common signs that you may be experiencing burnout as well as ways you can cope with it!
Give us a call at (334) 749-8461 to learn more!
What Are The Signs Of Caregiver Burnout?
There are many signs that you may experience as a senior caregiver that point to burnout but, feelings of irritability and fatigue are two of the most common ones.
Other signs that you are experiencing burnout could include:
Difficulty concentrating
Lack of energy to do new things
Loss of interest in activities which you previously enjoyed
If you notice that you are experiencing any of these symptoms it is critical you take action sooner rather than later, as they will likely become worse over time. There are many ways that you can do this but, finding healthy coping mechanisms that work for you can be a good place to start!
What Are Some Ways I Can Cope With Burnout?
Learning to cope with burnout as a senior caregiver can be difficult but, with so many healthy strategies, there is something for everyone. While some people find that exercising is a good way for them to let off steam after a long day, others might feel as though seeking professional help is the best solution. No matter what you choose, be sure it is a healthy addition to your routine!
Here are a few options to get you started:
Bring your employer into the loop: Sometimes it can be a good idea to let your employer know that you are providing care for a senior loved one. Some companies have caregiver related programs that offer leave time or flex time. While this isn’t available at every company, it doesn’t hurt to ask if you’re experiencing burnout.
Consider watchdog technology: Comfort Keepers Home Care has partnered with SafetyChoice® in order to bring the next level of senior security to you and your loved one. We offer medical alert devices, such as necklaces and bracelets, that can alert loved ones in case of a fall or other home accident, several medication management devices, and state of the art home monitoring systems.
Listen to your body: If your body is tired, let yourself rest. It may be a good idea to take a vacation or “staycation” if you can. Even a night away from your responsibilities can do wonders for you!
What If I Still Need Help?
Taking care of your loved one can be an all-consuming job and sometimes it can become overwhelming if you don’t have a friend or family member to help out if you get sick or are overtired. This is where Comfort Keepers Home Care serving Opelika, AL, and the surrounding area can help! We provide respite care for primary caregivers who need a little time for themselves. With our flexible care plans, you can choose how often you’d like a caregiver to come to your loved one’s home, as well as the core care services they need assistance with.
If you’d like to learn more simple ways you can reduce the stresses of being a senior caregiver, our available care services, including respite care, or if you’re ready to schedule your free in home consultation, please contact us online anytime or call us at (334) 749-8461.
