The Silent Toll of Caregiver Burnout: Signs in Family Caregivers
The signs of caregiver burnout can be both subtle and apparent, depending on your perspective. Many burnout symptoms can also induce feelings of guilt or resentment, which can be challenging for caregivers to work through and overcome. The guide below includes actionable advice on how to prevent burnout—and its related symptoms—from escalating and community resources family caregivers can tap into for much-needed support.
Subtle Signs of Caregiver Burnout
Irritability, guilt, and physical health issues comprise some of the most common signs of caregiver burnout that can be difficult to correlate without some introspection. Caregivers may struggle to handle their emotions, which often contributes to and exacerbates other burnout-related symptoms, especially those related to overall health and well-being. The physical stress of caregiving can go well beyond headaches and exhaustion, leading to depression, social withdrawal, loss of interest in activities, and appetite changes.
How to Address Caregiver Burnout
As challenging as it might be for caregivers to admit they need time to themselves, it’s often the first step in addressing burnout. It’s vital to recognize the difference between sacrificing one’s health and accommodating the needs of both the caregiver and their aging loved one. Achieving that balance improves the quality of life for everyone involved.
Instituting a strict self-care routine and realistic goal-setting can help caregivers begin constructing a healthy framework around caring for their own needs and the needs of others. Self-care practices ensure caregivers tend to themselves by putting as much effort into their needs as they do the needs of their aging loved ones. Setting realistic goals can also encourage caregivers to work toward an achievement—and combining the two into self-care-related goals maximizes any individual benefits.
Tapping into community resources enables caregivers to introduce seniors to other caring individuals and enable caregivers to recognize the rewards of self-care. For example, Visiting Angels of Toms Rivers’ respite care services relieve caregivers of their duties for a few hours, overnight, or even for several days. Our professional caregivers ensure seniors receive the care and companionship they deserve while allowing family caregivers a chance to tend to their own needs.
Caregiver Support in Toms River, New Jersey
Taking care of an aging loved one demonstrates the utmost dedication, but family caregivers don’t have to experience that journey alone. Visiting Angels of Toms River caregivers and staff welcome the opportunity to relieve caregivers of their duties for as long as needed to promote rest, relaxation, and recentering. Here are a few additional resources family caregivers can use to promote their own health:
- Practical Strategies for Self-Care Routines as a Caregiver
- Sharing Responsibilities with a Professional Caregiver
- Helping an Aging Parent Who Can’t Take Care of Themselves
- Caregiver Tips for the Sandwich Generation
If you’d like to learn more about how we support local caregivers, contact us to schedule a free consultation. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our senior home care services and approach. Reach out to Visiting Angels of Toms River today!