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Are you the primary caregiver for an aging parent or loved one?
If so, it’s not unusual to experience fatigue or, what is often called, caregiver burnout. The responsibilities of caring for an aging parent often go to adult daughters and sons who themselves are raising their own families. The dual role of being a parent and caregiver can take its toll, even on the most patient, well organized, and caring individuals.
To address how to avoid being overwhelmed, it’s important to first be able to identify when someone is experiencing caregiver burnout.
Burnout is a state of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion that occurs when caregivers continue to provide services without addressing their own care needs as well.
Symptoms of caregiver burnout include:
Lack of self care is a significant contributing factor to caregiver burnout. This is understandable and can happen because so much of your attention is focused on your aging parent or loved one. If you’re not taking care of yourself, your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing is stressed and compromised. You will be unable to provide the best possible attention to the senior in your care, and your well-being will deteriorate.
If you expect to be able to care for other people on an ongoing basis, your self-care must be a high priority no matter how difficult it is to fit into your busy schedule.
Self-care essentials include:
Being an around-the-clock or even parttime caregiver puts a lot of stress on an individual. With an endless number of tasks and responsibilities, who has time for a break?
The truth is a break will keep you from breaking. Scheduling time to step away from being a caregiver allows you to re-energize and reset, so you can continue to provide the best possible care. Even if you find the role rewarding and fulfilling, it’s always good to get some time to yourself to recharge.
Consider short 5-10 minute breaks throughout the day. If you are an around-the-clock caregiver, ask for help from a family member or friend who can step in occassionally to give you the chance to step away. You’ll be glad you did, and so will your aging parent or loved one.
On the days when you are off work, or someone is filling in for you as a caregiver, be intentional about doing an activity that rejuvenates you. Make sure you choose an activity that allows you to:
Whatever it is, find some therapeutic activity or hobby, and do it regularly.
Some people like to exercise or go to the gym, cook, read, meditate, take hot baths, go on bike rides, and play with their pets. The point is to set aside 30-60 minutes daily, or as much time as your schedule allows, to do the things you enjoy. You’ll be surprised how much it does for your mental health.
If the person or people you care for suffer from various conditions, you should familiarize yourself with those conditions. Understanding what your aging loved one is dealing with makes it easier for you to care for them.
If your mom or dad has dementia, teach yourself about the disease and how to manage it from home. Definitely seek the support from professionals in memory care who can shed light on the disease and make recommendations on how to handle its side effects. These individuals understand what you’re up against and can offer invaluable insight that can help your family and loved one during the memory loss journey.
If you care for an aging parent or loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, your first step is to understand and accept that burnout is a real thing. Now that you know how to recognize it and have a few suggestions for how to cope, make sure you start to practice your self-care techniques and, remember, that your wellbeing is vital to your role as caregiver.
