Providing care for a loved one can be challenging, especially when you have little control over the situation. In most cases, an emergency triggers the demand for you to quickly become a primary caregiver, throwing your normal routine off which increase your stress and anxiety.
Caring for someone for a short period of time is something many people can manage. It is when someone has long-term care needs that caregiver burnout can rear it’s ugly head. Often caregivers are so consumed by caring for their loved one that they forget to take care of themselves. Caregiving is demanding, both physically and emotionally and can adversely affect your own well being. Below are signs of caregiver burnout. Making sure you take care of yourself is a necessity and not a luxury. When you experience caregiver burnout it’s nearly impossible to do anything for yourself, let alone anyone else.
Top 10 Signs of Caregiver Burnout
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- You are always tired, even after sleeping.
- Your life is consumed by caregiving, but you feel little satisfaction and accomplishment.
- You find it difficult to relax even when help is available.
- You are neglecting your own needs.
- You become irritated easily with the person you are caring for.
- You feel helpless and hopeless.
- You experience a loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed.
- You have gained or lost weight
- You are getting sick more frequently.
- You are using alcohol or medication in excess and out of your previous norm.
Recommendations to Avoid Caregiver Burnout
It is recommended that you share caregiving responsibilities with family or friends so that you can set aside time for yourself. Consider hiring a professional caregiver employed by an In-home care agency to give you a break for a few hours a week to 24 hours a day. If you or someone you love is experiencing caregiver burnout, please call SYNERGY HomeCare to discuss your caregiver needs and find out how we can help 877-432-2692.
