Caregiver burnout: recognizing the signs and building your support system

A caregiver is any individual providing physical or psychological care to someone else. Some duties of a caregiver include helping with dressing, toileting, bathing, preparing meals, completing housework, medication management, managing finances, transportation, and monitoring the general health of a loved one. 

Caregiver burnout is the state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that happens when an individual's time and energy are dedicated to caring for a loved one.

More than 60% of caregivers experience burnout. 

How can you care for a loved one when you have nothing to give? You can’t pour from an empty cup. In this blog, I will share tips to minimize burnout and resources to help you navigate caregiving. 

Caring for a loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Caregivers must prioritize their own health and well-being to provide the best care for others. Here are some tips for caregivers to maintain their health:

• Build your village. Find the family members and friends you can rely on when you need a break, someone to run to the store for you or an extra set of hands to help care for your loved one. 

• Ask your village. A village of supporters won’t do you any good if you never reach out or ask them for help. Most likely, if they are in your village, they’ll be more than willing to help when they can. 

• Take a break. Make time for yourself and the things you enjoy. Use your support system to give yourself a weekend away. Or look into respite care within your community. Respite care provides short-term relief for primary caregivers. Respite care can occur in the loved one's home, a healthcare facility, or an adult day care.

• Find local resources. Take advantage of the available services to help you care for your loved ones. Use them to take care of the items you don’t enjoy or the items you don’t have time to take care of yourself. 

• Set realistic expectations. Understand your limitations and set realistic goals of what you can and cannot accomplish or do for your loved one. 

• Seek emotional support. Join a support group in your community where you can share similar experiences. 

• Establishing clear and healthy boundaries, both with yourself and your loved one, is a fundamental aspect of maintaining your well-being while offering optimal care. Boundaries serve as a protective framework, allowing you to navigate your caregiving role effectively. They act as a guide, helping you balance responsibilities, prioritize self-care, and recognize when it's crucial to seek assistance.

Resources for caregivers: 

• Your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) has excellent resources to help you find services like senior centers, transportation services, and pre-made meal delivery services.

• For those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, the Alzheimer’s Association has several resources to help you navigate their specific areas and help you find support groups in person and virtual!

• AARP has many helpful links and information on its website to help navigate benefits, insurance, legal and financial information, and recommendations on continuing to care for yourself. 

• Caring Info has information about making informed decisions for loved ones and a variety of resources to direct you in making those decisions. 

• The Daughterhood Podcast covers various topics like grieving, navigating relationships with siblings, dealing with burnout, and navigating the health care system. 

In caregiving, love and responsibility are intertwined. Being aware of the potential for burnout is a key step in avoiding it.  When looking at physical, emotional, and mental exertion, your own limitations should guide you in setting healthy boundaries. By seeking support, taking breaks, and prioritizing self-care, caregivers can protect themselves against burnout. Remember, caring for others begins with nurturing oneself.