Caregiver Burnout: Support YOU and Your Loved One!
As I meet with families in the process of starting care with BrightStar Care, I often encounter an adult child, spouse or close friend who is on the verge of implosion with feelings of exhaustion, guilt, building resentment, the feeling of powerlessness, depression or other symptoms of caregiver burnout. Many have limited knowledge of resources to assist them in preserving their own sense of self, or worse, feel it is solely their responsibility to care for their loved one. The inability of a caregiver to take time to meet their own health, mental needs and interests can have damaging effects on themselves, their relationships with others or even their loved one. By having structured or impromptu time to meet their personal needs, a caregiver is able to regain a sense of self that often leads to lowered stress, improved health and better care of their loved one. Know that it is okay, and quite honestly healthy, to take time to focus on you! Here are some ideas to consider if you are experiencing caregiver stress or burnout:
As I meet with families in the process of starting care with BrightStar Care, I often encounter an adult child, spouse or close friend who is on the verge of implosion with feelings of exhaustion, guilt, building resentment, the feeling of powerlessness, depression or other symptoms of caregiver burnout. Many have limited knowledge of resources to assist them in preserving their own sense of self, or worse, feel it is solely their responsibility to care for their loved one. The inability of a caregiver to take time to meet their own health, mental needs and interests can have damaging effects on themselves, their relationships with others or even their loved one. By having structured or impromptu time to meet their personal needs, a caregiver is able to regain a sense of self that often leads to lowered stress, improved health and better care of their loved one. Know that it is okay, and quite honestly healthy, to take time to focus on you! Here are some ideas to consider if you are experiencing caregiver stress or burnout:
- Join a caregiver support group. Don’t leave yourself feeling isolated and with nowhere to turn. There are others out there who are walking a similar journey. Empower yourself and gain insight into how to cope with challenges you may be experiencing in caring for your loved one and gain support of others. There are different types and platforms of support groups out there. Many can be found at your fingertips. If you go on line, you will quickly find a group that meets your needs, whether the group be out in your community or from the comfort of your home. Share your story!
- Rally for support. Seek help and support from others. Ask your neighbors, friends, family for help. Seek help from outside sources, such as a home care agency. You might be surprised by the amount of support you get just by reaching out and asking for it! Don’t worry about being a burden on others. Often they will go above and beyond in your call for help. Caregivers tend to place stress upon themselves because they do not allow others in. Whether it be out of guilt or fear that you can’t afford to hire help. You can absolutely do this, but you cannot do this alone. Let others in!
- Forgive and Appreciate Yourself. Being a caregiver, someone else’s lifeline, is tough! There is no such thing as perfection. Forgive yourself and others around you for short-comings. Reflect on what you are grateful for, even if just for the day’s beautiful weather, a friendly smile or help being offered by others…. Don’t forget to acknowledge yourself and the good you are doing. You got this!
- Minimize and Organize. Caregivers make so many decisions and choices throughout any given day. Eliminate unnecessary tasks/decisions or decrease the stress of decision making by having a routine schedule. Plan out the week’s meals; Set out the week’s clothes; Maintain a calendar of appointments and free time for hobbies, interests and other relationships in your life.
- Your life matters too. The care and support you are giving your loved one is undoubtedly amazing, but do not forget that you have a life to live too! If you struggle to find time in the day for yourself, then this should be a red flag and a good indicator that it’s time to start having help. Don’t allow yourself to reach burnout; it’s not worth what comes along with it! Preserve your relationships, lower your stress, find your joy and give yourself the strength and energy to be the best version of you.