It’s a reality; those who care for aging loved ones or someone with a physical or psychological impairment can reach a level of burnout. Caregiver burnout is the toll of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion experienced by a caregiver as a result of caring for someone else. 
Caregivers have a big job to do. Many are providing care for an elderly loved one who is not independent due to mobility issues or other medical conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or chronic illness. Care could also include supporting daily chores and activities such as meal preparation, hygiene, medication management and transportation. It can be the equivalent of a full time job or more and often the caregiver is employed outside the home as well.
Burnout feels like a spent battery drained of its juice and can no longer provide the power to run a machine. It can negatively affect the caregiver’s physical and emotional energy needed for the demanding job of caregiving. Feelings of fear, anxiety, frustration and even guilt are common when burnout is reached. The ability to properly provide the care can be at risk when burnout happens as well. It’s important that the caregiver seek treatment for burnout in order to feel well again.
Here are some ideas:
• Talk to your healthcare provider. Sharing your struggles with a mental health professional can lift the emotional burden of burnout. Together, with your primary care provider, family and friends you can create a team to support you through this difficult period.
• Ask for help. Sometimes, it might feel like a sign of weakness to ask for help, but when it is needed it’s important to overcome those fears. Other family members might not recognize the need to help unless you ask for it. Sharing the responsibilities among multiple care providers makes it easier on all and can help with life balance. BrightStar can help you with in-home care of your loved one as well.
• Practice daily self care. Don’t ignore your own needs for physical, emotional and spiritual support. Create a fill-in support team to allow yourself to exercise, take yoga or nurture a positive and enjoyable social circle.
Caregivers have a big job to do. Many are providing care for an elderly loved one who is not independent due to mobility issues or other medical conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or chronic illness. Care could also include supporting daily chores and activities such as meal preparation, hygiene, medication management and transportation. It can be the equivalent of a full time job or more and often the caregiver is employed outside the home as well.
Burnout feels like a spent battery drained of its juice and can no longer provide the power to run a machine. It can negatively affect the caregiver’s physical and emotional energy needed for the demanding job of caregiving. Feelings of fear, anxiety, frustration and even guilt are common when burnout is reached. The ability to properly provide the care can be at risk when burnout happens as well. It’s important that the caregiver seek treatment for burnout in order to feel well again.
Here are some ideas:
• Talk to your healthcare provider. Sharing your struggles with a mental health professional can lift the emotional burden of burnout. Together, with your primary care provider, family and friends you can create a team to support you through this difficult period.
• Ask for help. Sometimes, it might feel like a sign of weakness to ask for help, but when it is needed it’s important to overcome those fears. Other family members might not recognize the need to help unless you ask for it. Sharing the responsibilities among multiple care providers makes it easier on all and can help with life balance. BrightStar can help you with in-home care of your loved one as well.
• Practice daily self care. Don’t ignore your own needs for physical, emotional and spiritual support. Create a fill-in support team to allow yourself to exercise, take yoga or nurture a positive and enjoyable social circle.