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Top Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout

Being a caregiver is not an easy job. The responsibilities you have put a great deal of pressure on you, and struggling with self-care and your prior responsibilities usually becomes inevitable. According to a 2015 report by the AARP, over 34 million Americans are responsible for caring for an adult age 50 or older, spending as much as 13 days every month helping with tasks like shopping, food preparation, housekeeping, laundry, transportation and administering medications.

Caregiving can be very stressful; however, it can also be a rewarding experience for you and your family member. Nonetheless, you must be careful of overworking yourself, and make sure you have enough time to attend to your own needs and enjoy some relaxation once in a while.

What is Caregiver Burnout?

Caregiver burnout is the state in which caregivers become mentally and physically exhausted. This can result in having a negative mental state and feeling overwhelmed. Caregivers need time for themselves, but they often feel like they are solely responsible for managing an aging loved one’s needs. Family caregivers spend up to 20 hours a week on their caregiving duties, and spending so much time caring for someone else can easily lead to burnout and a slew of negative side effects from being overworked. As many as one in three caregivers report their stress levels as high, and they often experience side effects like anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and a compromised immune system.

Spot the Symptoms and Find Solutions

Some of the most common symptoms of caregiver burnout include:

• Having no time for friends or other family members
• Losing weight, or having a change in appetite
• Getting sick frequently
• Having very low energy levels
• Feeling anger or resentment towards the person/people you are caring for
• Having trouble sleeping or staying asleep, or not getting the recommended amount of sleep per night
• No interest in extracurricular activities or once-enjoyed hobbies
• Neglecting responsibilities besides those of caregiving

If you are experiencing some of these symptoms, you might be a victim of caregiver burnout. You are not alone; however, you need to pursue options to ease the stresses of caregiving. Here are some suggestions that you might want to try if you find yourself struggling between the duties of caregiving and living your own life:

• Join a support group: The best people to talk to are those in a similar situation. You might find new ways to deal with your caregiving role, as well as find some solutions to alleviate the stress you’re feeling.
• Ask for help: Don’t be afraid to utilize other resources when you are feeling overwhelmed. It’s impossible to do it by yourself, so make sure you look into solutions like respite care or reaching out to other family members.
• Make caring for yourself a priority: Caring for yourself is just as important as caring for your loved one. Making sure your physical and mental health are in check is critical for feeling your best and allowing you to provide the best care possible.

Caregiver Support at Advent Christian Village

Learn how Dacier Manor at Advent Christian Village can offer the assistance you need. The beautiful and supportive assisted living community is perfect for offering additional support to your loved one, all while encouraging a strong connection with family. Contact us today to explore living options, get more information, or to set up a personal tour of our beautiful senior living community in Dowling Park, Florida.