Dealing And Avoiding Caregiver Burnout
Based on an evolutionart standpoint, our bodies are made for short bursts of stress, just like running from a dangerous situations, like a forest fire. But today’s world is one of constant low-level stress. For most caregivers, high amounts of stress levels are continual. And frankly, the human body isn’t made to withstand such constant wear and tear. Therefore,most family caregivers cannot put aside strong feelings that is associated with caregiving, which can run the gamut from devotion to guilt, to see the importance of avoiding the problem of caregiver burnout.
I cannot stress this enough: as a senior care caregiver, you are only as good as the care you can provide. Oftentimes this is based on factors outside your control. You will get tired. You will get frustrated. You will need help. You’re allowed to have these thoughts and feelings. So how do you know when passing frustration has fizzled into a burnout situation? Well, early signs are similar to depression in that assisted care caregivers can vacillate between anger, anxiety, sadness and irritability. Feelings of exhaustion, both physically and emotionally, along with changes in weight are also hallmarks. Keep in mind that a depressed mind can make for a depressed immune system; getting sick often could be another warning sign. Additionally, perhaps the greatest irony of care giving is that the caregiver’s health concerns are often not looked into, because the caregiver isn’t the one who is “sick” or “needs help”.
Many family caregivers are reluctant to “take up time” for their own doctor visits. If these symptoms starts to grow more frequently or intensely, then it is time to seek help. Again and again I urge caregivers to make certain they are taking care of themselves, because even though it is good to place someone else needs above yours, it is not always feasible or right. In parent-child relationships, the adult children will often feel that they must look after the parent, in order to return the favor of having raised by their parents, even they are unqualified or ill-equipped to do so. These are all honorable ideas, however, reality is that care giving situations;just like raising a child;requires a village. If you want to provide good long-term care then you need to get hooked in with family, friends and outside resources. You can be the primary caregiver and still not be there every minute of the day. Spread out responsibilities.
On the Gilbert Guide web site alone, we offer dozens of solutions and ideas to help family caregivers, including coping strategies, online resources, and information on topics such as Alzheimer’s and dementia care, and how to effectively advocate as a caregiver. There are also support groups that provide family caregivers a place where they can discuss their feelings openly, can help monitor the effectiveness of coping strategies, and let caregivers know they are not alone. But one of the simplest solutions to avoiding caregiver burnout is this; keep your sense of humor and look for the small joys that can come your way throughout the day.
Tags: adult day care, long term care, long term care insurance