VISITING ANGELS CHELSEA, MA 617-409-9039
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Serving Somerville, Charlestown, Chelsea, Everett, Revere, East Cambridge and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels CHELSEA, MA
100 Everett Ave #4
Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone: 617-409-9039
Fax: 617-409-9148

Preventing Caregiver Fatigue Before It's Too Late

Do you provide care to a senior loved one? If so, you might be starting to notice that it’s difficult to manage your caregiving duties and your daily life. Over time, the imbalance can lead to a phenomenon called “caregiver burnout”, a condition that causes excessive fatigue, problems with your emotional state, and declining physical health.

Caregiver burnout is a well-known challenge that many family caregivers face, and it’s important to make changes before it worsens. In this article, we’ll look at the symptoms of caregiver fatigue to help you spot the warning signs before it makes caregiving impossible. 

What Is Caregiver Fatigue?

Caregiver fatigue can appear in many different ways, but it most commonly manifests as feelings of constant tiredness, frustration, anxiety, depression, and more frequent physical illness.

These symptoms may get worse as a caregiver pushes on without taking a break, eventually getting serious enough that they are unable to provide care at all. 

Spotting Symptoms Early

Identifying caregiver fatigue early can be game-changing. Here are common signs of caregiver fatigue:

  • Constant tiredness and lethargy
  • Increased irritability and mood swings
  • Social isolation
  • Neglecting personal health and hygiene
  • Recurring headaches or digestive issues
  • Feeling a sense of hopelessness or emotional numbness
  • Brain fog or difficulty with complex planning
  • Increased reliance on caffeine, alcohol, or medications to cope

If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, there’s no reason to feel ashamed–you are still capable and dedicated. These symptoms are simply a normal response to prolonged stress.

If you do notice them, however, you should work to prioritize self-care as much as possible, as caregiver burnout can worsen over time. 

How Can Caregiver Fatigue Impact You?

What begins as tiredness and frustration can worsen if not addressed. Compassion fatigue can set in, and make caregiving much more emotionally taxing.

Physically, the stress manifests through weakened immune systems, constant soreness, and susceptibility to physical injury.

Providing care for another person, ironically, can compromise a caregiver's own health if proper boundaries and self-care strategies aren't implemented.

How To Manage Caregiver Burnout

Managing caregiver burnout means caring for yourself. While you may be concerned that focusing on yourself is self-centered, remember that self-care is an essential part of being a good caregiver. If you aren’t caring for yourself, you can’t provide the best care possible for your senior loved one. 

There are many ways to care for yourself and prevent caregiver burnout. For instance, making sure you get good sleep, adequate exercise, and nutritious meals can make a world of difference.

Additionally, you should care for your mental and emotional well-being by connecting with others to talk about your feelings and taking breaks as often as necessary to recharge your caregiving batteries.

When To Get Outside Help

If you're exhausted and burnt out, it’s time to contact a professional. At Visiting Angels in Chelsea, we know how demanding your duties are, and can provide temporary care as often as you need it!

Our in-home care can provide in-home support and emotional assistance for you and your loved one. We provide meaningful companionship to seniors and help caregivers by offering them the space to emotionally recharge whenever needed.

Learn More About How Visiting Angels of Chelsea Can Help Today!

If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. Our team at Visiting Angels Chelsea is ready to support you. Call 617-409-9039 today or fill out our online contact form to learn more about how our team can help you and your loved one!

Serving Somerville, Charlestown, Chelsea, Everett, Revere, East Cambridge and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels CHELSEA, MA
100 Everett Ave #4
Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone: 617-409-9039
Fax: 617-409-9148