Jodi had been caring for her elderly mother for 6 months when she began to feel exhausted and overwhelmed. She had spent little time with her husband lately and had even missed her son’s big basketball game. More and more, Jodi found herself feeling angry and annoyed with her mom, though she loved her dearly. She even felt a bit physically ill herself. She discussed what was going on with her doctor. Her doctor suggested she might have caregiver burnout. That was the first time Jodi had heard the term, but she was certain it fit her exactly.  

Had Jodi known about caregiver burnout earlier, she may have taken steps to avoid it before it occurred. Some of the steps caregivers can take to avoid caregiver burnout are described below. 

Learn New Caregiver Techniques 

Learning new ways to take care of your elderly loved one can help you to feel less overwhelmed. When you know how to handle certain situations or accomplish a task more easily, you’ll feel more in control. You can learn new caregiver skills by doing some research online. You might also be able to find a seminar or class for caregivers in your area. Contact your local area on aging, call the local chapter of the organization involved in the condition the senior has (e.g., the ALS Association), or talk to a clergy person. 

Keep Up with Your Own Healthcare 

Feeling unwell yourself can make it harder to care for an older adult. However, many caregivers skip their own medical appointments and neglect their health because they feel too busy with the senior’s needs. Make sure you see your doctor regularly, eat healthy meals, and find time to exercise.  

Join a Caregiver Support Group 

Feeling frustrated, angry, or even sad are all normal emotions for caregivers. Having a safe place to talk about your emotions can make them easier to deal with. A support group is a place for caregivers to get together to talk about their experiences. They are a place to vent without fear of being judged. They can also be a great place to learn tips and hear about resources for caregivers that you may not be aware of. 

Find Help 

If friends and family offer to assist with caregiving tasks, accept their help. Spend some time making a list of jobs you feel comfortable handing off, like grocery shopping or making some meals. When someone asks if you need help, pull out the list and offer them some options. If you don’t have friends or family available to help, consider calling a home care agency to hire assistance. 

If you or an aging loved-one is considering a Caregiver in Marana, AZ please contact the caring staff at Sunlife Home Care today at (877) 888-1311. 

Sources 

https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/info-2019/caregiver-stress-burnout.html

Caregiver Stress and Burnout

https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/caregiver-stress