Tips for Preventing Caregiver Burnout

Updated on November 18, 2020

A twelve-month study showed approximately 34.2 million adults in the United States that catered caregiving services to adults aged 50 years or older. It means that roughly 14.3% of adults in the country render caregiving services to an adult or senior.

There are also 7% of caregivers in the United States that are 75 years or older, providing caregiving services for an average of four years. About 26% of caregivers provide care for one to four years, and 24% have an average of five years of caregiving. These statistics say much about caregiver burnout, and there are many more factors that contribute to the hardships of a caregiver, which leads to emotional and financial stress.

How to Avoid Caregiver Burnout

If you think that you are on the verge of giving up or succumbing to a mental health crisis, here are some tips to prevent caregiver burnout:

Find a Person You Can Trust 

If you want to talk about your thoughts, feelings, anxieties, and frustrations, find a person you can trust, such as a family member, a co-worker, a neighbor, or a friend you know will listen to you. Don’t be afraid to tell them how you feel. They will not judge you for saying that you are exhausted. Sometimes, having an outlet where you can unload your frustrations can help immensely. 

Set Your Goals

It will be a great help to you if you set your realistic goals to accept that you will require some assistance in caregiving. You may ask for help from others to do some tasks for you. Local organizations can give you support groups for people having a family member suffering from diseases like Alzheimer’s Disease or any type of cancer. 

Take Advantage of Respite Care Services

For primary caregivers, getting respite care from senior care service providers like Husky Senior Care can help. Respite care gives caregivers a temporary break that can span a few hours of in-home care to a limited stay in an assisted living facility or a nursing home.

Understand Your Loved One’s Condition

You should be truthful about your loved one’s disease, especially if it is Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, which are both progressive diseases. Try to accept that there will come a time when your loved one will need nursing services outside of your home.

Invest In Self-Care

Many caregivers may not notice that they are too busy caring for their patients. You should set a timeout for yourself, even just a few hours of rest. Keep in mind that it is not a luxury to take care of oneself, and it is a necessity for every caregiver. Sometimes, getting at least an hour to yourself can help you relax and reassess your emotions. Even getting a much-needed massage or just having time to read your favorite book can be enough. Remember, you cannot take good care of others if you don’t care for yourself. 

Communicate With a Professional

You should talk to a professional to gain proper treatment for your burnout. There are therapists, clergy members, and social workers trained to give counseling sessions to individuals having problems with their emotional and mental health.

Know Your Limitations

Once you accept that you are human and have needs too, it would be easier for you to set caregiving goals. You also have to factor in your current situation. If you have your own family to take care of, consider how they feel and your current situation. If you have siblings, consider taking turns, so you don’t burn out easily. 

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