Caregiver Burnout
Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion.
It can garner a change of attitude, from positivity and support to apathy and lack of concern. Caregiver burnout may occur when caregivers do not receive the help they need or stretch themselves too thin whether that be physically, financially, emotionally, etc.
Caregiver burnout can be dangerous to the person receiving care, as well as the caregiver themselves. Not being able to support another person could put them in harm’s way, especially in cases of memory loss. And, lack of care on one’s own mental and physical needs can lead to depression.
Canterfield understands that no one person can work as a caregiver 24/7. Our team is full of energetic, passionate, caregivers and we still take shifts. By giving up the title of caregiver (at least sometimes), you are potentially saving the relationship of the two involved as well as the safety of the one who needs care.
Johns Hopkins Medicine sites the causes and symptoms of caregiver burnout as:
Causes of caregiver burnout:
Care-receiver Demands: the emotional and physical demands resulting from the care-receiver’s health
Other Demands: balancing the needs of your care-receiver’s needs, spouse’s needs, children’s needs, work needs, your own needs
Role Ambiguity: What is expected of you? What is expected of others around you?
Work Load
Conflicting Policies and Procedures: these can prevent professional caregivers from doing what they believe is appropriate and family caregivers from receiving services they want and need
No Personal Time: can often manifest into lack of autonomy, lack of mastery, and feelings of failure with their own goals
Symptoms of caregiver burnout:
Depression
Withdrawal
Feelings of hopelessness/helplessness
Negative emotions
Physical fatigue
Sleep deprivation
Abuse of care-receiver
Neglect of care-receiver
Health issues
Lowered self-esteem
To overcome these feelings and take care of you both, the Mayo Clinic recommends that you:
Recruit Help: You don’t need to take the care-receiver for a walk, to church, go grocery shopping, and cook meals every day all by yourself. Ask and allow assistance where you can find it. If your neighbor goes to the same church, ask if they can carpool. Assistance like this can go a long way.
Focus on What You are Doing: Which is, the best you can. No one is a perfect caregiver. You are doing your best.
Be Realistic: Set daily routines, say no to activities that are draining (like hosting family gatherings).
Find Resources: Senior transportation, meal delivery, house-keeping.
Join a Support Group: stay connected with friends and family who can offer non-judgmental support
Personal Health: find time to prioritize yourself by staying active, eating well, and exercising your mind
Respite care is also an option to give yourself and your care-receiver a longer break. Programs include in-home respite, adult care centers, and short-term assisted living which Canterfield offers.
Lastly, there is no shame in giving up the role as caregiver.
Senior communities have developed so much from the ideology people have of “nursing homes.” You do not want to wait too long and find that you have unintentionally hurt yourself or your loved one. Feelings of guilt are understandable, but adjusting to a new way of life can be beneficial for everyone involved.