What is Caregiver Burnout?

Being a caregiver can be very rewarding, but it also involves many stressors. Caregivers face long-term challenges and the emotional stressors that can snowball over time. It can be particularly disheartening when there’s no hope that your client or patient will get better or, despite your best efforts, their condition is gradually deteriorating. This can lead to caregiver burnout.

If the stress of caregiving is left unchecked, it can take a toll on your health, relationships, and state of mind—eventually leading to caregiver burnout; a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion. To keep patient care as your top priority, it’s necessary to invest in your own well-being.

Some symptoms of Caregiver Burnout:

• You have much less energy than you once had.
• You’re constantly exhausted, even after sleeping or taking a break.
• You neglect your own needs, either because you’re too busy or you don’t care anymore.
• You have trouble relaxing and/or sleeping.
• You feel depressed or sad.

Ways to prevent Caregiver Burnout:

• Take time for yourself…Even just a few minutes of self-care can make a difference and help you recharge. This lowers your stress, which may help you be a better caregiver.
• Incorporating healthy eating habits and drinking plenty of water is very important.
• Get plenty of sleep. A good night’s rest will help you have the energy you need to meet the challenges of being a caregiver.
• Exercise like walking, yoga or aerobics helps relieve stress and build strength.
• Talk with other caregivers. Connecting with others that face the same issues can be comforting and help reduce the feeling of isolation.
• If the care becomes overwhelming and too much for one person to handle, seek out assistance through a licensed agency or care manager.

If you are experiencing symptoms of caregiver burnout, we here at Platinum Select Care are here to help. We understand the demands of being a caregiver and can offer support.