If you’re caring for an elderly loved one, you know how rewarding it is to be able to provide comfort to him or her and do all you can to enhance his or her quality of life. However, it’s also important to maintain your own wellbeing, which includes being on the lookout for signs you’re experiencing levels of stress and fatigue that could cause you to get burned out. If you’re a caregiver, you need to recognize when your caregiving duties have become too much. Here are some indications caregiver burnout may be sneaking up on you.
You’re Feeling Anxious
The daily challenges of caregiving can be extremely stressful, and constantly being responsible for your loved one’s needs can cause your anxiety levels to spike. This stress can become chronic and cause tension headaches, hypertension, chest pain, and even panic attacks. You may become short-tempered and feel isolated or worried most of the time. If you notice your stress levels increasing, find an outlet for your anxiety. Some people find meditation helpful, while others prefer physical exercise, such as kickboxing or jogging. If these types of anxiety-reducing habits aren’t enough, consider rearranging your daily schedule or reducing your workload by hiring an in-home caregiver so you can take a break, whether it’s for a few hours or a week.
Having the help of a home caregiver can offer you a huge amount of relief. Family caregivers sometimes need a break from their caregiving responsibilities. When they need respite care, Rhode Island families can rely on professional caregivers to help their senior loved ones remain safe at home.
You’re Exhausted
Caring for a loved one can be both physically and emotionally challenging, and sometimes caregivers get burned out simply because they’re exhausted. You may fail to get enough sleep, forget to eat healthy meals, and let self-care fall by the wayside. Prolonged exhaustion can eventually wear you down to the point where you can no longer provide the level of care your loved one needs and deserves. To prevent exhaustion, you must take care of your own needs as well. Get the recommended amount of sleep, drink plenty of water, eat a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables, and make time every week for some exercise.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your caregiving responsibilities, you don’t have to manage everything on your own. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted in-home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help.
You’re Having Health Problems
Because family caregivers frequently prioritize their elderly loved ones’ health above their own, they are more likely to experience health challenges, such as significant weight gain or loss, nutritional deficiencies, sleep deprivation, and more. Trying to care for a loved one while you’re not healthy can make your caregiving duties more difficult, so it’s important to take steps to care for your own health, including getting regular medical and dental checkups.
If you’re experiencing caregiver burnout, consider looking for a professional caregiver who’s compassionate, reliable, and experienced in senior home care. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide elderly home care. Rhode Island families can turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (401) 284-0979 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.