Taking on the role of family caregiver is a rewarding and meaningful experience, but it can also come with challenges. Juggling your caregiving responsibilities along with family life, work, and your own needs is a lot, so it’s important to find a healthy balance. Taking care of yourself is just as important as providing care for your loved one. If you don’t, you are at a higher risk of experiencing caregiver burnout.
At The Grove on Forest Lane, our senior living community in Dallas, Texas, understands what it takes to properly care for another person. Our team wants to help you on your caregiving journey, so we are sharing information to help you recognize caregiver burnout and tips on how to prevent it.
What is Caregiver Burnout?
The Cleveland Clinic defines caregiver burnout as “a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. It may be accompanied by a change in attitude, from positive and caring to negative and unconcerned. Burnout can occur when caregivers don’t get the help they need, or if they try to do more than they are able, physically or financially.”
Signs of Caregiver Burnout
The symptoms of caregiver burnout are often similar to those of anxiety, stress, and depression, some of which include:
- Increased irritability or frustration
- Inability to concentrate
- Lack of energy
- Neglecting your own personal needs
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Loss of interest in the activities you once enjoyed
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Lowered immune system or getting sick more often
How to Prevent Caregiver Burnout
Build a Support System and Ask for Help
First and foremost, you don’t have to do it alone. It’s okay to ask for help, especially if it means you are taking care of yourself. Building a strong support system will allow you to take a well-deserved break once in a while to handle other responsibilities or prioritize your well-being.
Enlist the assistance of family members and friends to help you with caregiving duties, but be specific about what you need them to do. For instance, you could ask a sibling to stay with your loved one and make sure they take their medications while you go to the grocery store.
Furthermore, finding a caregiver support group can also be beneficial. While this will not lessen your caregiver responsibilities, talking about your experiences and listening to other caregivers talk about theirs will help you realize that you’re not alone. You may even learn a few tips from members of the group or gain perspective by hearing someone else’s story.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is not selfish. In fact, putting yourself first and taking care of your own needs will only benefit your loved one. There is a reason why you are instructed to put your oxygen mask on first before assisting other passengers on an airplane. You must be your best to perform your best. Once you realize this and put it into practice, both you and your loved one will benefit.
Make sure to get enough sleep, maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and do something that recharges you. Practicing self-care ensures you will be the best caregiver you can be for your family.
Celebrate Small Victories
Eliminating all the stressors in your life isn’t possible, but acknowledging you are doing the best you can and practicing gratitude for where you are can go a long way in keeping your stress levels under control and preventing caregiver burnout.
If you do not accomplish every item on your to-do list, that’s okay! Instead, celebrate that you completed some of the tasks on the list and that you and your loved one got to spend quality time together.
If there ever comes a time when your caregiving responsibilities become too much for you to handle on your own or you feel that your loved one would benefit from living in a supportive environment, our senior living community in Dallas, Texas, can help. The Grove on Forest Lane offers assisted living and memory options that focus on individualization, connection, and compassionate care.
We invite you to visit our website or contact a member of The Grove on Forest Lane team to learn more about our intentional senior living community.
