What Does It Mean When You Are Burnt Out?
As a senior caregiver, you probably already know about the positive ways caring for a loved one can impact your life but, while caring for an elderly parent or grandparent can be personally rewarding, it can also take a personal toll on mental and physical health without planned breaks from the daily focus of assuring the safety and well-being of a loved one. This can lead to a condition known as caregiver burnout.
Did you know at least 20% of adult children are taking care of an older parent, with nearly half saying it is moderately or very difficult to balance work and caregiving?
At Comfort Keepers Home Care serving Indianapolis, IN, and the surrounding area, we understand that stress and we want to help! That’s why we’ve put together a list of the most common signs that you or a loved one may be experiencing burnout, along with some coping strategies to try.
What Are The Signs Of Caregiver Burnout?
While there are many signs that can indicate a senior caregiver is experiencing burnout, two of the most common early ones are feelings of irritability and fatigue.
Other signs that you are experiencing burnout could include:
Withdrawal from friends, family, and other loved ones
Emotional and physical exhaustion
Lack of energy to do new things
It is important to pay attention to these feelings because they aren’t likely to go away with time. They may even get worse, making it critical that the caregiver take action to correct imbalances in their life. For many people, finding healthy coping mechanisms can be a good place to start!
Coping Mechanisms For Caregiver Burnout
With so many ways to cope with burnout, it can sometimes feel overwhelming finding the best option for yourself. What works for one person may not be the best choice for another but, the key is to always keep trying. For example, you might find that attending therapy or sharing in a support group helps you let go of your stresses and provide the best care you can, while others may prefer spending time learning a new hobby.
It’s up to you to find the best stress relief strategy but, we’ve made a list of a few ideas to help you get started:
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.
Find a healthy way to vent your frustrations: For some, this can be a friend who understands the demands placed on a senior caregiver. Others may find it works better for them to write down their frustrations in a private diary or word document.
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!
Are There Any Other Options?
So, you’ve learned about caregiver burnout and how to cope with it but, what if trying to cope simply isn’t working for you? Well, it may be time to consider respite care from Comfort Keepers Home Care serving Indianapolis, IN, and the surrounding area! Not only do we offer flexible care plans, our caregivers are the best in the business. With respite care, our goal isn’t to take over for you entirely but to give you the time you need to recharge your caregiving batteries while feeling secure in the knowledge that your senior is receiving the care they need. Sometimes a short break is all you need to help kickstart a change in attitude and reignite your passion for caregiving.
If you’d like to learn more ways you can practice self-care and healthy coping mechanisms as a senior caregiver, if you’d like to learn more about our incredible care team, or if you’re ready to schedule your free in home consultation, please contact us online anytime or call us at (317) 788-0777
