There are many things about being a family caregiver that are rewarding. You get the joy of knowing your older family member is receiving great care. Caregivers are also gifted with extra time with an aging relative in the later years of their life. However, as you know, being a caregiver is also a great deal of work and can be tiring. In fact, many caregivers experience something called caregiver burnout, which occurs because of the overwhelming stress of the role.
The best way to deal with caregiver burnout or to prevent it is to take a break. There are several signs that point to caregiver burnout, including those listed below.
No Energy to Do the Things You Once Enjoyed
Some caregivers find themselves giving up hobbies and activities they used to look forward to. For example, perhaps you’ve always played a weekly tennis game with friends. Though you may still have that time slot free, when it rolls around, you find yourself making excuses not to go. The truth is, you’re just too tired for it.
You Get Irritated with Your Older Relative Easily
When you first became a caregiver, you may have had endless patience with the senior. You recognized that life wasn’t always easy for them and knew they had limitations that sometimes made it hard for them to comply with your requests. Now, though, you sometimes feel yourself snapping at the older adult for even the smallest of things.
Eating More or Less Than You Used To
Caregiver burnout can lead to a change in eating habits. Some caregivers turn to food for comfort, to ease the difficult feelings that caregiving can bring up. Others experience a loss of appetite. They may simply feel too tired to prepare meals or be experiencing depression. Changes in appetite can lead to weight gain or weight loss.
Getting Ill More Often
Caregiver burnout can leave you physically worn down, which can impact your immune system. As a result, you may find yourself catching colds and other illnesses more frequently than you used to.
Using Alcohol or Sleep Aids Inappropriately
Some caregivers turn to drugs or alcohol to deal with their emotions. One glass of wine in the evening may turn into two, three, or more. They may also find themselves taking larger doses of sleep medications than they should to get to sleep at night or just to feel good.
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself, it’s time to take a break. Ask friends and family members to take over some of the responsibilities of caregiving, so that you can have more time to yourself. If there are no friends or family members available, consider contacting a home care agency. Home care is an affordable way to ensure your older family member gets the help they need while you also have time to look after your own emotional and physical health.
Sources: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/caregiver-stress-and-burnout.htm
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/caregiver-recognizing-burnout