The often prolonged and overwhelming stress of caregiving can lead to caregiver burnout – a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion. Without physical and emotional support, the stress of being a caring for a loved one can leave individuals vulnerable to a wide range of problems, including depression, anxiety, and eventually burnout.
Know the signs of caregiver burnout
Find ways to lighten the load, reduce stress, and add more balance in your life while caring for a loved one by recognizing the signs of caregiver burnout and knowing how to avoid them. Not only does caregiver burnout negatively impact the individual, but it can also have a major effect on their ability to provide the quality of care that their loved ones deserve.
- Feeling tired and run down is a common sign of caregiver stress and can lead to burnout if the caregiver isn’t given the opportunity to rest and restore.
- Paired with difficulty sleeping, caregivers might feel constantly exhausted.
- The stress and inability to relax can make caregivers irritable, impatient, have difficulty concentrating, and even feel helpless.
- It can become detrimental to caregivers if they begin cutting back on leisure activities, drinking, smoking, or eating more, and neglecting their own responsibilities.
Take care of your own health
With less energy and more stress, caregivers’ immune systems are often lowered. Colds, bouts of flu or other illnesses become more prevalent and harder to avoid. This bogs down caregivers’ time and puts them at risk for missed work, takes away from the quality of their care for their loved one and more.
Constant exhaustion and feeling hopeless or helpless about how to manage their own time or the care of their loved ones is detrimental to caregivers’ health and happiness. Symptoms of caregiver burnout mean it’s time for caregivers to address their own needs and health and find solutions that will be beneficial for both themselves and their loved ones.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of caregiver stress or burnout, it might be time to look for outside support to make sure caregivers and their loved one are getting the support and peace of mind they need during the day. Coleman Adult Day Services is centered around providing this much-needed break to the whole family.
Our professionally trained staff, team of on-site nurses and doctors offer are experts in caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s, Dementia or other developmental disabilities. During the day, Coleman provides our clients with the opportunity to socialize in a fun and safe environment, while giving caregivers a healthy break and peace of mind. Our day services allow loved ones to live with caregivers for longer, knowing that the support they need while they are at work or taking care of other responsibilities is taken care of at Coleman.
Get the support you need
For a fraction of the price of nursing homes and other care facilities, our adult day care services provide the specialized care seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia and developmental disorders need. We also work with our clients to ensure that financial circumstances do not stand between them and our services, including securing grant funding to ensure affordable plans.
Your caregiving efforts are appreciated, even when it doesn’t feel like it. Your loved one depends on you, so maintaining your health and getting the support you need is important to you both. Contact us or have your loved one try out a day at Coleman on us – we are here to offer the support caregivers and their loved ones need.