The joy of caring for an aging loved one is priceless. Along with the rewards of caring for a senior are the risks of caregiver stress and burnout. It’s important that caregivers manage their stress so that they continue to provide quality care for the elderly care recipients.
What is caregiver stress and burnout?
Caring for a senior is a long-term task, sometimes extending for years or decades. Even the most dedicated caregivers feel hopeless when their aging loved one’s prognosis is poor, or their health continues to decline despite putting in their best efforts in care.
The physical and emotional demands placed on the caregiver often snowball over time, creating a situation rife with negative emotions: hopelessness, frustration, isolation, and stress. Left unchecked, these feelings can lead to a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion—burnout.
What are the impacts of caregiver stress and burnout?
A caregiver whose personal health, relationships, and state of mind are poor is unable to be attentive to the care needs of an aging person. Overwhelmed and frustrated caregivers easily snap at their care recipients, causing rifts in a relationship that should remain joyful.
The caregiver’s health suffers, as well. With too many responsibilities on their plate, they may feel they lack the time to visit the doctor for wellness exams or exercise to maintain their physical health. Relationships become strained when caregivers have no time to spend with loved ones.
How do caregivers manage stress and burnout?
Behind stress and burnout is the feeling of powerlessness. Falling into this trap is especially likely for caregivers who didn’t expect to assume a caregiving role or who feel helpless in improving their situation. Managing stress and burnout starts with developing self-empowerment.
1. Accept the Situation
The senior’s decline in health, despite the caregiver’s attention, can prompt the latter to ask, “Why?” It’s important to avoid spending energy on situations that can’t be changed. Rather than engage in self-blame or wallow in self-pity, practice acceptance.
2. Remember Motivations
A caregiver decides to provide care, whether that choice stems from wanting to repay the senior for their care or hoping to set a good example for their children. When the burdens of caregiving are high, caregivers are encouraged to recall what motivated them to make their choice in the first place.
3. Ask for Help
Caregiving can feel like an isolating job, but it doesn’t have to be. Friends, family and neighbors might offer to perform small tasks that make a big difference: a neighbor mows the lawn, or a friend prepares dinner. Community services are also available to offer a helping hand.
4. Stay Organized
Caregivers undertake numerous responsibilities, from managing medication to handling finances and setting appointments. Disorganization allows feelings of powerlessness to creep in. Instead, organize information digitally or in a notebook. Rely on calendars and planners to remember the care recipient’s appointments.
5. Establish Boundaries
Saying no to a loved one isn’t easy—but it is imperative that a caregiver set boundaries to protect themselves and their relationships. Agreeing to everything, even things that jeopardize their well-being, can quickly deplete a caregiver’s energy reserves, leaving them resentful and emotionally bankrupt.
6. Break Down Major Tasks
Large tasks that need to be completed during the week seem overwhelming, until the caregiver breaks them down into manageable chunks. Create a daily to-do list to feel confident in knowing where to start. Prioritize the day’s most important responsibilities and work through them one at a time.
7. Celebrate the Small Wins
Caregiving doesn’t cure all ills. But helping a senior feel comfortable, safe, and loved contributes significantly to their quality of life. When feeling discouraged, caregivers should remind themselves to embrace the small victories and that their efforts count.
8. Invest in Personal Time
It isn’t uncommon for a caregiver to become consumed by caregiving, which can lead them down the path toward burnout. Rather, engage in activities that add joy and meaning to life. For instance, caregivers might invest in a hobby, socialize with friends, or reconnect with family.
9. Look into Respite Care
Taking time off from caregiving to focus on personal care and well-being requires outside help, such as from friends or respite care services. Home care agencies offer quality respite care so that family caregivers have an opportunity to rest, rejuvenate, and return to caregiving with renewed focus.
10. Plan Ahead
Reduce stress and burnout by developing an elder care plan. Research the care options in the community, such as volunteers, adult day centers, and home care agencies. Pick a hospital before an emergency arises. Most importantly, discuss care plans with the senior and understand their wishes.
Dependable senior home care from Assisting Hands Home Care is the key to managing stress and burnout. Our five-star elder care agency offers a comprehensive range of non-medical services designed to promote the physical, emotional, and social health of the individuals we serve.
Responsibilities our caregivers undertake include grocery shopping and meal preparation. We provide transfer assistance and mobility support so that seniors move around the home safely and comfortably. Caregivers also remove clutter and other hazards in the home to reduce the risk of falls.
Our professionals transport seniors to the doctor’s office or to conduct errands. Discreet assistance with personal hygiene tasks is a part of our daily care. We’re also pleasant companions who converse with care recipients, take them on outings, and encourage them to pursue hobbies and leisure activities.
Senior home care from our agency is flexible and tailored to meet each individual’s unique care needs. Caregivers are licensed, bonded, and insured to give families peace of mind. The elderly have the opportunity to remain at home with the compassionate support from our in-home caregivers.
Rather than risk burnout and stress, family caregivers are urged to consider Assisting Hands Home Care for dedicated elder care services.
We are proud to serve older adults in Schaumburg, Park Ridge and the surrounding areas. Schedule a free in-home consult today at (224) 258-0736 and learn how we can enhance your loved one’s quality of life.
