Avoiding Caregiver Burnout

Caring for an ill or disabled loved one is one of the most noble and rewarding things you can do. It can also be one of the most stressful—physically, mentally and emotionally. There are, however, many strategies and resources that can help you take care of your own health and enjoy life all while giving your loved one the highest level of care.

You may be experiencing early stages of burnout if you:

• Often feel exhausted or have low energy
• Start to neglect your own needs because you are too busy or no longer care
• Notice your life revolves around care giving but it gives you little satisfaction
• Have trouble relaxing, even when help is available
• Feel more impatient and irritable with the person you are helping
• Feel overwhelmed, helpless and hopeless

If you start to notice any of these signs, find ways to take a break from caregiving, seek out extra support and follow the tips for avoiding burnout.

As a caregiver, it’s normal to feel stretched to the limit from time to time. But there are some simple strategies you can use to lessen your load and find more balance in your day to day life.

Do your homework: Read as much as you can about caregiving and your loved one’s condition. A better understanding will make you a more effective caregiver and help you better prioritize your time.

Know your limits: No one can be a 24/7 caregiver! Be realistic about how much of your time and yourself you can give. Set clear limits and communicate them with the person you care for, doctors and other family members.

Take time for yourself: As with any full-time job, caregivers deserve time off. Reward yourself with frequent breaks to relax and enjoy your favourite activities. Make time to socialize with friends, even if it means inviting people to visit if you’re unable to leave home. Look into caregiver relief/respite programs to give primary caregivers a much-needed break.

Ask for and accept help: It’s okay to ask for help, or take it from those who offer. If other family members are unavailable, explore community-based support services. These include adult day care centres, home and personal support, meal delivery, cleaners, transportation services and skilled nurses.

Accept and share your feelings: It’s normal for caregivers to feel anger, fear, resentment or grief. Denying these feelings or keeping them bottled up can be very unhealthy and ultimately lead to burnout. Let yourself experience emotions and talk with a trusted friend, family member, or counsellor about how you feel. Keeping a written journal can also help you to release and understand your emotions.

Find support: There are many caregiver support groups that you can join both locally and over the Internet. These are a great way to connect with others in similar situations to share experiences, concerns and coping strategies.

Keep a healthy lifestyle: When focusing on a loved one’s care, it can be very easy to neglect your own. Be sure to eat healthy, balanced meals and take the time to exercise, even if it’s only a daily walk. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night wherever possible.

Laugh: Laughter is a great stress reliever. Where you can, look for humour in everyday situations and unwind frequently with a comedy film or light-hearted book.

Watch your back: As a caregiver, you’ll do a lot of bending, pushing, pulling and lifting. Be sure to stretch and use proper techniques to avoid physical injury.

Support independence: There are many technologies designed to help people with illnesses or disabilities do things for themselves. Be open to any ideas that can give your loved one more independence and reduce the amount of direct care they need.

Caring for an ill or disabled family member or friend is never easy. Taking the time to care for yourself, however, will make you a more effective caregiver – and may make caring for your loved one a more positive and rewarding experience.