Signs of Caregiver Burnout and How to Avoid It

If you’re one of the estimated 40.4 million caregivers of 65-and-older adults in the United States, chances are you’ve experienced some symptoms of burnout—even if you don’t realize it. Heather Glen Senior Living knows how real caregiver burnout can be, so we’ve detailed the telltale signs of it and strategies you can take to avoid it. 

Symptoms of burnout

WebMD defines caregiver burnout as a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that may be accompanied by a change in attitude—from positive and caring to negative and unconcerned. Some signals that you or a loved one may be experiencing caregiver burnout include: 

– Overwhelming fatigue and lack of energy

– Changes in sleeping habits

– Changes in eating habits

– Feeling of hopelessness

– Neglecting own physical and emotional needs

– Increased impatience or irritability with person you’re caring for (and others)

– Compromised immune system 

The demands on a caregiver’s mind and body can become overwhelming, leading to the above symptoms. If you or someone you love is a caregiver and you begin to notice changes in behavior, it’s best to approach the subject with empathy and compassion. 

How to avoid—and alleviate—burnout

As a caregiver, you can often feel the weight of the world on your shoulders. Taking care of your own mental and physical health can take a backseat when you’re responsible for the well-being of an aging or sick person. 

The first step in alleviating burnout is asking for help when you need it. As difficult as it is for some people, it’s important to know that asking for help does not make you a bad caregiver—it makes you an aware caregiver that is in tune with their own needs. Getting help can take a variety of forms: talking to a trusted friend, coworker, support group leader or therapist; delegating personal tasks like making dinner or running errands to a spouse, child, friend or service; and taking advantage of respite care services in your area to give yourself a break a few times per week. Being proactive in asking for help can make for a less-stressed and overall happier caregiving experience. 

Taking care of yourself should also be a priority for any caregiver. Getting the CDC-recommended seven or more hours of quality sleep a night is essential to your overall health and well-being. A balanced diet and getting an adequate amount of exercise is important not only to your physical health, but to your mental health as well. While high-intensity exercise is usually what’s recommended to boost your body’s endorphins, any type of exercise or movement that you enjoy or helps you relax should be a part of your daily routine. Walking, hiking, yoga, HIIT workouts, swimming, biking—the possibilities are endless. Allowing yourself to take a break or take time off when needed are also a huge piece of the self-care puzzle. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. You can provide a better life for yourself and the person you’re caring for by taking time for self-care and avoiding burnout.

Knowing the signs and having a strategy in place can help you and others prevent the burnout that so many caregivers experience when prioritizing another person’s health over their own. If you need additional caregiver resources or would like to learn about personal care options, Heather Glen is here to help. Reach out today and we will ensure that your loved ones get the best care possible. 

To find out more about Heather Glen Senior Living and Memory Care, visit us online at www.HGSeniorLiving.com