Causes of Caregiver Burnout

[michellep]

What Causes Caregiver Burnout?

Caregivers often are so busy caring for others that they tend to neglect their own emotional, physical, and spiritual health. The demands on a caregiver's body, mind, and emotions can easily seem overwhelming, leading to fatigue and hopelessness -- and, ultimately, burnout. Other factors that can lead to caregiver burnout include:

* Role confusion -- Many people are confused when thrust into the role of caregiver. It can be difficult for a person to separate her role as caregiver from her role as spouse, lover, child, friend, etc.

* Unrealistic expectations -- Many caregivers expect their involvement to have a positive effect on the health and happiness of the patient. This may be unrealistic for patients suffering from a progressive disease, such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.

* Lack of control -- Many caregivers become frustrated by a lack of money, resources, and skills to effectively plan, manage, and organize their loved one's care.

* Unreasonable demands -- Some caregivers place unreasonable burdens upon themselves, in part because they see providing care as their exclusive responsibility.

* Other factors -- Many caregivers cannot recognize when they are suffering burnout and eventually get to the point where they cannot function effectively. They may even become sick themselves.

How Can I Prevent Burnout?

Here are some steps you can take to help prevent caregiver burnout:

* Find someone you trust -- such as a friend, co-worker, or neighbor -- to talk to about your feelings and frustrations.

* Set realistic goals, accept that you may need help with caregiving, and turn to others for help with some tasks.

* Be realistic about your loved one's disease, especially if it is a progressive disease such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.

* Don't forget about yourself because you're too busy caring for someone else. Set aside time for yourself, even if it's just an hour or two. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury. It is an absolute necessity for caregivers.

* Talk to a professional. Most therapists, social workers, and clergy members are trained to counsel individuals dealing with a wide range of physical and emotional issues.

* Take advantage of respite care services. Respite care provides a temporary break for caregivers. This can range from a few hours of in-home care to a short stay in a nursing home or assisted living facility.

* Know your limits and do a reality check of your personal situation. Recognize and accept your potential for caregiver burnout.

* Educate yourself. The more you know about the illness, the more effective you will be in caring for the person with the illness.

* Develop new tools for coping. Remember to lighten up and accentuate the positive. Use humor to help deal with everyday stresses.

* Stay healthy by eating right and getting plenty of exercise and sleep.

* Accept your feelings. Having negative feelings -- such as frustration or anger -- about your responsibilities or the person for whom you are caring is normal. It does not mean you are a bad person or a bad caregiver.

* Join a caregiver support group. Sharing your feelings and experiences with others in the same situation can help you manage stress, locate helpful resources, and reduce feelings of frustration and isolation.

[RandyW]

Thanks for posting that Michelle!!

[jaminkw]

Great post Michelle. Hope it's read by all caretaker members of LCSC.

Judy in Key West

[lilyjohn]

These are all great ideas but I didn't have those options. It would have been so much easier if I had.

[lilyjohn]

These are all great ideas but I didn't have those options. It would have been so much easier if I had.

[Barb73]

Thank you, Michele.

These are the issues when caring for someone you love, but feel so inadequate being there for their caring.

You have posted, probably, the most important aspect in this whole journey.

Those who are caring often are lost in the milieux of this disease. I read this several times to allow it to sink into the inner self - not an easy task.

This is one very special post. Thank you, again, dear Michele.

Barbara

[fighting4mom]

Michelle,

Thank you for this post! Truly insightful. I know all of us can identify with these words.

I almost feel that I have taken a hiatus from my caregiving as Mom has really been her old self these past 4 months - and hopefully, prayerfully will remain so.

Blessings to you,

Kimberly