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In-home caregivers play a critical role in the lives of their clients, providing much-needed care and support. However, providing such vital care can be both physically and emotionally demanding, often leaving caregivers feeling exhausted and overwhelmed and leading to caregiver burnout. 

The good news is that you can take steps to solve your burnout. Instead of just coping with it, every caregiver should take enough time to care for themselves. Here are some self-care tips for in-home caregivers to ensure a happy career and the best possible care for those who need your support.

1. Recognize Signs of Burnout

Recognizing the signs of caregiver burnout is the first important step in preventing it. By learning to identify the side effects, you can take a step back to assess and take the time you need for yourself. Signs of home caregiver burnout include:

●Fatigue and lack of energy 

●Depression, anxiety, or mood swings

●Physical issues like headaches, body pain, or increased illness

●Changes in eating habits or sleeping

●Changes in weight

●Withdrawal from enjoyable activities

While some of these signs may seem temporary, they could become a more significant problem that will only go away when you have some relief and take some time for yourself.

2. Identify Sources of Burnout

Once you recognize that your body is telling you something and that you are burnt out, you can take steps to figure out why it is happening. You should evaluate how much work or stress you have been taking on. Are you taking on more work physically or mentally than you can handle? Maybe you have a client going through problems, and you’re also taking that on emotionally. Perhaps you volunteered to help with some extra tasks, even when you’re already worn out.

Whatever the case may be, figuring out why you’re feeling drained can help you take the necessary healthy steps to feel better and extend your caregiving career.

3. Reach Out to Others

If you are unable to figure out where you’re overworking yourself, reaching out to others may give you more perspective. Professionally, this can be from other caregivers and support groups who have been in your shoes and can understand your feelings. You could talk to friends, family members, faith leaders, or even a therapist about your current mental state.

At times, caregiving can be emotionally draining work. Talking to someone can help relieve some of the stress, and professionals can help you understand your struggles and find ways for you to improve.

4. Focus on What You Can Control

Caregivers often take on the emotional burdens of their clients. This causes caregivers to feel guilty, so they often take on extra work to help. Caregivers must be mindful that there are things outside of their control. It is important to focus only on what you can control and what you can do to help. By doing that, you will feel mentally and emotionally stronger, so you can continue to be a productive and successful caregiver.

5. Take a Break 

There are many ways you can take care of yourself while still providing the best support for your clients. The main one is to take a step back from your caregiving career to protect your well-being. This doesn’t need to be an extended hiatus, but you need to schedule regular breaks to allow time to physically and mentally refresh and recharge. A few ways you can take breaks include:

●Leave every day at a certain time and turn work off

●Take days off to do favorite hobbies

●Use all vacation days every year, even if you feel too busy

●Treat yourself to a well-deserved long weekend every month

It’s not uncommon for in-home caregivers to volunteer to offer help on the weekend or to stay late on a shift. These offers often end up becoming permanent, making their 40-hour job into a 60-hour job, leading to problems.

Apply for a Caregiver Job in Akron

If you are an in-home caregiver, it is important to take care of yourself. You may feel like you don’t have time for self-care, but it is essential for you and your clients’ well-being. We hope the tips we’ve shared will help you make time for yourself and find peace in your busy day. Whether you’re already a caregiver or looking to start a new career, Comfort Keepers in Akron is always looking for compassionate individuals to join our team! Apply for a caregiver job in Akron with Comfort Keepers today!