Being a caregiver can place you in many states of emotion; one day you feel like you can't do enough for your loves one, then another day you may feel that you have hit a brick wall and feel if you do one more thing your life is no longer yours. You now feel guilty for just wanting to be alone to have one day to your self or just be alone for one minute or one hour.
Waking up feeling tired, depressed, stressed, confused, like you have loss control and unable to meet expectations of daily life, well these are all signs of caregiver burnout.
"Caregivers are often the casualties, the hidden victims. No one sees the sacrifices they make," - Judith L. London
Caregiver burnout is defined as a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. it 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 physically or financially able to do.
Well I am here to tell you you are not alone. These symptoms can include:
Withdrawal from friends, family and other loved ones
Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
Feeling blue, irritable, hopeless and helpless
Changes in appetite, weight or both
Changes in sleep patterns
Getting sick more often
Feelings of wanting to hurt yourself or the person for whom you are caring
Emotional and physical exhaustion
Irritability
From experience, caregiver burnout can be prevented when educating yourself on what is available in your community. Find local services, share the duties with friends or family, seek local churches or support groups to reduce feelings of being overwhelmed..... accept the reality of your own caregiving limits.
Occupational Therapy as a resource.
Caregivers can seek out individualized occupational therapy care in the home, outpatient setting, nursing home, assisted living facilities, and adult day cares. Occupational therapy delivers caregiver education for strategies to improve and minimize caregiver dependence, increase overall quality of life, and to maximize independent engagement in daily tasks.
Relieving caregiver burnout starts with a plan. Plan to explore the resources available to all. Loving them means loving you....first. Seek assistance to prevent caregiver burnout before it takes a toll on you.
Resources:
Home health services
Adult day care Centers
Nursing homes or assisted living facilities
Private care aides
Caregiver support services
Agency of Aging
National organizations (for specific diagnoses or conditions)
--- Paris F., MOTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Be Aware of Your Needs.
Looking for OT services in Piedmont-Triad area (North Carolina)?
Visit the website:
References:
Cleveland Clinic. Caregiver Burnout. (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9225-caregiver-burnout) Accessed 11/4/2021.
