Acting as a caregiver to an aging loved one can be a full-time job. It’s easy to lose yourself in their everyday needs, and over time, it can lead to caregiver burnout. This condition can have a serious impact on your physical and mental well-being, which in turn, impacts the quality of care. It’s crucial to recognize symptoms to combat the issue.

Understanding Caregiver Burnout

Symptoms

Caregiver burnout is a complete state of exhaustion. It occurs when a person neglects their personal needs while serving in a caregiver role. First-time caregivers are more likely to experience burnout, especially if they care for a family member because they solely focus their energy on their loved one rather than take time to care for themselves

Caregiver burnout develops slowly, and common symptoms include withdrawal from favorite activities, family, and friends, mood swings and irritability, trouble sleeping, weight gain or loss, and feelings of hopelessness and guilt.

The symptoms may fluctuate in frequency and severity. Ultimately, they make it difficult to provide the best care and may even result in the caregiver becoming sick if they neglect their health.

Prevention

When you accept a caregiver role, immediately establish personal time. Whether it’s a few walks around the block each day, an hour-long lunch break, or a day off, you’ll find that these rejuvenating periods will help you release stress. They give you time to socialize or enjoy favorite hobbies—both of which are important for emotional well-being.

You also need to communicate with your loved one. They’ll understand your needs, and by gathering feedback from them, you can adjust your quality of care. Communicate with friends and mental health professionals as well. Having an outlet for your feelings goes a long way toward reducing stress and pent up emotions.

It’s important to understand your limitations. If you’re working a part-time job, there’s only so much care you can provide. Sometimes, it’s best to share the role with a friend or a dedicated home health care professional. This is especially true if your loved one requires medical care, like wound dressing, or has an advanced condition, like dementia, that will eventually require trained medical assistance.

If you’re exploring caregiver options in the Berkeley, MO, area, turn to Deer Valley Home Health Services. This home health care agency has ensured families receive the assistance they need since 2005. They can connect you with social services, assisted living, specialized care, and more. Visit their website for a full breakdown of their services and call (314) 355-3679 to speak with a representative.