Caregiver Compassion Fatigue

Knowing the Limits

Caring for others is often driven by motivations of love and understanding. It’s not uncommon for family caregivers to initially feel that their capacity for helping those they love is nearly limitless. From taking care of finances and managing medications to preparing meals and cleaning, there’s certainly a sense of fulfillment that comes along with assisting a loved one. But many find themselves going through the motions of caring without taking time out to focus on their own needs – often to the point of physical and emotional exhaustion. As a result, family caregivers may feel something they’ve never experienced before: decreased empathy. This condition is known as compassion fatigue.

In decades past, compassion fatigue was seen primarily in healthcare professionals. This should hardly come as a surprise considering the profession involves constantly helping patients who are suffering or experiencing diminished quality of life. But as the country’s aging population continues to grow, there are many family caregivers who are left feeling much the same way.

Signs of Compassion Fatigue

Family caregivers experiencing compassion fatigue may feel the following:

• Exhaustion (physical and/or emotional)
• Feelings of dread or guilt
• Irritability, anxiety, or anger
• Difficulty sleeping
• Difficulty making decisions
• Feeling disconnected
• Trouble finding meaning in caregiving
• Self-isolation

The Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project notes that the worst symptom of compassion fatigue is denial because it prohibits family caregivers from examining the feelings associated with their caregiving situation. Ignored for too long, this can lead to strained relationships and poor emotional wellbeing.

What to Do Next

Below are steps family caregivers can take to combat compassion fatigue:

• Understand the signs of compassion fatigue and acknowledge them if they occur.
• Maintain a self-care routine with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and consistent sleep.
• Carve out time to maintain social connections with friends and family.
• Join a caregiver support program, either locally or online.
• Journal your thoughts and feelings about caregiving.
• Engage in healthy activities like walking, meditating, or practicing a favorite hobby.
• Speak with a counselor or therapist for additional support.

Comfort Keepers® Can Help

At Comfort Keepers®, we understand the challenges of caregiving. We offer respite care and senior care services that allow family caregivers to take the time they need to focus on self-care, while their loved ones receive quality assistance.

Learn more about our services by contacting Comfort Keepers of Durango today online here or by call us at (970) 515-7055.

References

• Good Therapy. “The Cost of Caring: 10 Ways to Prevent Compassion Fatigue.” Web. 2016.
• Psychology Today. “Are You Suffering from Compassion Fatigue?” by Sherrie Bourg Carter Psy.D. Web. 2014.
• Stanford Center on Longevity. “Spotlight on Caregiving: Exploring the Well-being of Family Caregivers.” Web. 2016.
• Daily Caring. “How to Cope with Compassion Fatigue: 8 Tips for Caregiver.” Web. 2017.
• AARP. “Caregiving in the U.S.” Web. 2015.