Taking care of a loved one with special needs is a rewarding (and often demanding) experience. You may find yourself sacrificing your time and energy to keep your loved one safe and cared for. And while it is important to care for your loved one, it is equally important to care for yourself. If you are one of the 40 million adults in North America caring for an elderly, chronically ill, or disabled loved one, you may be all too familiar with caregiver burnout. In this article, we’ll identify some of the signs of burnout and give some advice on how to avoid caregiver burnout.
You might be familiar with burnout at work—which is when constant stress can cause someone to become unmotivated, unproductive, and unhappy. In a similar vein, caregiver stress is a combination of physical and emotional stress that can occur when you take on the responsibility of caring for a loved one with special needs. It is not uncommon for caregivers (especially those who do not receive proper support) to feel angry, frustrated, sad, and alone. These feelings are completely normal, and you should take your feelings seriously.
Caregiver burnout isn’t just caused by providing care. After all, many caregivers love their work and find purpose and fulfillment in caring for others. However, as a caregiver, you may also be dealing with financial pressures, changing family dynamics, or a general disruption in your life—all of which add to your stress levels. Caregiver burnout can negatively affect your ability to care for your loved one. Moreover, consistently high stress levels may take a toll on your health. Make sure to take care of yourself so you can provide the care your loved one needs.
Now that you know what caregiver burnout is, it’s important to be familiar with the symptoms of caregiver burnout. Everyone experiences burnout differently, and you may experience any number of these symptoms. Be honest with your feelings, and don’t be reach out to family and friends for help.
The following are some of the symptoms of caregiver burnout:
As a caregiver, it is just as important to take care of yourself as it is to take care of your loved one. If you are experiencing burnout, be kind to yourself and let others know you need help. Here are some ways you can recover from caregiver burnout and prevent it from occurring again.
When you start feeling signs of burnout, take a moment to think about what you can reasonably do for your loved one. Do the best you can for your loved one and know that it is enough. Remember: no one is a perfect caregiver. You are only human, so give yourself permission to take the breaks you need to recharge. Accept the things that you cannot change instead of wasting energy thinking about them.
You are only human, and you need a break too! Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help. Consider asking trusted family members or friends for help with some of your caregiving responsibilities. For example, maybe your spouse can help make dinner a little more often. Or maybe a relative can come by on the weekends to help you clean the house or grocery shop. If none of your family members can help, there are many organizations that have certified caregivers who can offer assistance.
There are countless support groups that can offer encouragement, advice, and strategies for managing and preventing caregiver burnout. Support groups are also a great way to make meaningful friendships with those in your communities. Members will be able to understand what you are going through and offer their support to help you through challenging times.
Related Article: Resources for Families with Special Needs
When we are busy caring for another individual, it can be easy to neglect our own health. But in order to provide proper care for your loved one, you have to feel your best—both mentally and physically. Take time to care for yourself, whether that means exercising, attending doctor’s appointments, or even taking some time alone. Eat nutritious meals, get plenty of sleep, and talk with others about your feelings and struggles.
It can be hard to take time away from your loved one, especially if they require constant supervision. However, if the opportunity presents itself, take some time for a brief getaway. Go for a hike, see a movie, spend time with friends, or even go visit that new coffee shop. Do something that will refresh your mind and body.
The responsibilities of caregiving can be challenging, and you might find yourself feeling discouraged. Remind yourself of all the good you are doing for your loved one. Your efforts—no matter how small—make a difference. Don’t underestimate how important it is that you are making sure your loved one feels safe, loved, and respected. Think about how becoming a caregiver has made you stronger or brought you closer to your loved ones.
As a caregiver, you may feel that you are the only one who can provide the care your loved one needs. Because of that, it may be hard to hand over the task of caregiving to another person. Rest assured that there are hundreds of qualified caregivers and organizations that can provide temporary care for your loved one. Consider respite and other services to give yourself a much-needed break.
If you are your loved one’s primary caregiver, it can seem like your whole life revolves around their needs. And while they do depend on you for care, it’s important to set boundaries for yourself. Be sure to invest yourself and find other activities that provide meaning and fulfillment, such as hobbies, work, or your family.
There are thousands of other caregivers out there who may be experiencing burnout. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. Your feelings and struggles are valid, and you should not be embarrassed to reach out to others for support. Your health and well-being matter, and there are others out there who can help you find the right balance in your caregiving responsibilities.
We hope these tips can help you learn how to avoid caregiver burnout. Since 2003, On Angel’s Wings, Inc. has provided quality services to individuals with special needs and their families. Our goal is to provide a safe, caring, and loving environment while teaching educational and daily living skills to each individual. We offer the following services: