Why Is It Important To Talk About Caregiver Burnout in Cumberland, MD?
Many families find satisfaction in caregiving for an elderly loved one, whether a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle or family friend. The experience of being a senior caregiver can often strengthen the bond between an adult child and a parent. In many ways, it's a rewarding opportunity to give back but, it can also be highly stressful. If left unchecked that stress can cause mental, physical, or emotional fatigue, also known as caregiver burnout.
Did you know depression affects 20 to 40% of all caregivers?
In order to help you, or a loved one in your life who is a caregiver, combat caregiver burnout, Comfort Keepers Home Care serving Cumberland, MD, and the surrounding area has created a list of the most commonly reported symptoms as well as several coping strategies to try. We want to encourage caregivers to care for themselves because they deserve it!
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What Does Caregiver Burnout Feel Like?
Two of the most common signs of caregiver burnout are fatigue and irritability. You may also start to disconnected or begin having trouble finding meaning in your role as a senior caregiver for your loved one.
Other signs that you are experiencing burnout could include:
Changes in appetite, weight, or both
Feeling stressed in the patient’s presence
Difficulty concentrating
It is incredibly important that you are aware of any changes in your mood as well as any other signs that you are overstressed because they are very likely to worsen over time.
How Can I Cope With Caregiver Burnout?
There are so many healthy coping mechanisms to choose from that it can seem overwhelming at first. Finding the right solution that helps combat feelings of burnout can take time but, it is worth it to keep trying. You may find that learning more about your loved one’s condition helps you remain empathetic and provide better care. Or perhaps you find that picking up a new hobby helps you put the day’s worries behind you.
Here are a few more 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 if you can. Even a night away from your responsibilities can do wonders for you!
When Should I Seek Outside Help?
So, now you know what caregiver burnout is, common symptoms, and a few healthy coping techniques but, what should you do if you’re still having a difficult time? Well, you may want to consider choosing respite care! At Comfort Keepers, we understand that caring for your loved one is a tough job sometimes and we’d love to be able to help you out! Not only do we offer flexible respite care plans that can include one or more of our other core services, we have a kind, compassionate staff that will care for your loved one as if they were family.
If you’d like to learn more about Comfort Keepers Home Care serving Cumberland, MD, and the surrounding area, our incredible care team, or if you’d like more ideas for ways you can cope with the stresses of being a senior caregiver, please contact us online anytime or call us at (240) 242-5966. Our operators are available 24/7 to answer your questions and schedule your free in home consultation.
