Are You Suffering From Caregiver Burnout? Know the Signs.
Did you know that nearly 26% of Americans are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia? According to AARP, this number is up from 22% in 2015.
Caregiving is a natural thing for many people to do. It is in our nature to help out a family member as they age or recover from a health setback. There are 48 million unpaid caregivers in the United States, tending to the needs of family members.
As caregivers struggle with the demands of their everyday lives including jobs, kids and the tasks that accompany running a household in addition to the worry of caring for an aging or sick loved one, caregiver burnout can become a reality. These feelings can creep up over time so you may not even realize that you’re dealing with caregiver burnout.
Would you recognize the signs of caregiver burnout? Though people can experience different symptoms, here are some of the universal red flags to be aware of:
- Lowered resistance to illness
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Changes in appetite
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Mood swings including argumentative behavior, impatience and irritability
- Lack of energy, hopelessness and depression
- Physical and emotional exhaustion
- Difficulty in focusing or relaxing
- Lack of interest in things that normally bring joy
- Neglecting your own physical or emotional needs
Recognizing that you may be vulnerable to caregiver burnout is the first step to staying healthy. It is important to know your limits and assess your personal situation to look for signs that you’re experiencing caregiver stress. Develop a support system of trusted friends and family you can count on to talk to or for help with tasks, errands and easing your load of responsibilities. Be sure to keep realistic goals and ask for help whenever you need it.
Enlisting a CarePatrol Senior Care Advisor can help mitigate caregiver burnout. At CarePatrol, we have made it our mission for the past three decades to help families find the right care solutions for their loved ones. As experts in senior care advisory services, we have pre-screened communities to match the right care for our clients. Our services are available at no cost to you and your family. Reach out today and see how CarePatrol can help.