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Caregiver burnout |
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What is Caregiver Burnout?
WebMD Medical Reference
Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional,
and mental exhaustion that may be accompanied by a
change in attitude -- from positive and caring to
negative and unconcerned.
Burnout can occur when caregivers don't get the help
they need, or if they try to do more than they are
able -- either physically or financially. Caregivers
who are "burned out" may experience fatigue, stress,
anxiety, and depression. Many caregivers also feel
guilty if they spend time on themselves rather than
on their ill or elderly loved ones.
What Are the Symptoms of Caregiver
Burnout?
The
symptoms of caregiver burnout are similar to the
symptoms of stress and depression. They include:
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Withdrawal from friends, family and other loved
ones.
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Loss of interest in activities previously
enjoyed.
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Feeling blue, irritable, hopeless and helpless.
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Changes in appetite, weight, or both.
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Changes in sleep patterns.
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Getting sick more often.
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Feelings of wanting to hurt yourself or the
person for whom you are caring.
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Emotional and physical exhaustion.
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Irritability.
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Unreasonable demands -- Some caregivers place
unreasonable burdens upon themselves, in part
because they see providing care as their
exclusive responsibility.
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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.
Where Can I Turn for Help for
Caregiver Burnout?
If
you are already suffering from stress and
depression, seek medical attention. Stress and
depression are treatable disorders. If you want to
prevent burnout, consider turning to the following
resources for help with your caregiving:
Home
health services -- These agencies provide home
health aids and nurses for short-term care, if your
loved one is acutely ill. Some agencies provide
short-term respite care.
Adult day care -- These programs offer a place for
seniors to socialize, engage in a variety of
activities, and receive needed medical care and
other services.
Nursing homes or assisted living facilities -- These
institutions sometimes offer short-term respite
stays to provide caregivers a break from their
caregiving responsibilities.
Private care aides -- These are professionals who
specialize in assessing current needs and
coordinating care and services.
Caregiver support services -- These include support
groups and other programs that can help caregivers
recharge their batteries, meet others coping with
similar issues, find more information, and locate
additional resources.
Agency of Aging -- Contact your local Agency on
Aging or your local chapter of the AARP for services
available in your area such as adult day care
services, caregiver support groups, and respite
care.
National organizations -- Look in a phone directory
or search online for local agencies or chapters of
national organizations dedicated to assisting people
with illnesses such as Parkinson's disease or
stroke. These groups can provide resources and
information about respite care and support groups.
© WebMD Inc. All rights reserved.
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Caregivers often are so busy caring
for others that they tend to neglect their own
emotional, physical, and spiritual health. |
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