When family caregivers are responsible for maintaining their loved one’s physical and mental health, it’s easy for them to forget to take time for themselves. While it’s admirable to assist a family member, inadequate self-care can negatively affect everyone in the household. To stress the importance of stepping away from these responsibilities, CareResource Hawaii—an in-home caregiver provider in Honolulu, HI—highlights some of the biggest risks of burnout.  

What Can Happen When In-Home Caregivers Don’t Care for Themselves

Physical Exhaustion

When caregivers are not able to get the rest they need, they will quickly lose energy throughout the day. Not only does this cycle leave such individuals fatigued, but it can also make it harder—and possibly dangerous—for them to assist a loved one. Exhausted individuals may be more likely to get into an accident on the road, mix up medications, or forget about other responsibilities that ensure their relative’s health.

Health Problems

When a person strains themselves on a regular basis to provide for a loved one, they are likely to experience wide-ranging muscle tension that can be uncomfortable to live with. In addition, a lack of sleep can weaken the immune system and make the body more susceptible to illness. Some individuals may even decide to skip their own doctor’s appointments to help a family member. One 1999 medical study found family caregivers to be more likely to die prematurely than their non-caregiving counterparts.  

Mental Health Decline

Although family caregivers start out with the best intentions, the challenges of the situation and reduced physical health can eventually harm their mental well-being. For instance, individuals who are unable to take breaks for themselves as responsibilities pile up are likely to experience worsening stress. Also, caregivers who are unable to socialize may gradually become isolated and develop depression in response to decreased social activity.

If you find it difficult to keep up with your self-care needs as an in-home caregiver, consider hiring a respite care professional from CareResource Hawaii to help. These home nurses are trained to tend to medical needs and offer friendly companionship to your relative. These services can be arranged as needed, so you can be flexible when seeking self-care. Visit this Honolulu, HI, home nurse service online to find out more about their programs, or call (808) 691-4663 to speak with a specialist about the best arrangement for you and your loved one.