6 Signs of Caregiver Burnout to Be Aware Of

Being a family caregiver for an older loved one can certainly be a rewarding experience. That being said, it can also leave you physically and mentally exhausted because of the assortment of tasks you’ll likely have on your to-do list. If you regularly provide care for an older adult, you’ll do yourself and your loved one a favor by recognizing signs that suggest you may have caregiver burnout. Here are the top six signs to look out for.

1. Withdrawing Socially

If you begin to avoid keeping up with your regular interactions with family members and friends, you may be becoming too emotionally drained or physically overwhelmed. A possible solution is to ask for help from other family members. If this isn’t an option, consider in-home care services to allow you to have more time for the other people in your life while your loved one receives ongoing care in the comfort of home.   Families looking for top-rated Des Moines elder care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.

2. Being Increasingly Irritable and Moody

You may have caregiver burnout if you’re no longer able to remain calm and relaxed when helping your loved one. Being increasingly irritable or moody could also have a negative impact on your loved one. One way to minimize the risk of this happening is with respite care, which is a type of temporary relief care that gives you a chance to recharge personally while a trained professional caregiver looks after your loved one. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated homecare, you can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.

3. Having a General Lack of Energy

Fatigue is one of the common signs of caregiver burnout, and it could happen when you reach a point where you’re overburdened with too many care-related tasks while trying to juggle your own responsibilities. This is another time when it can be helpful to either ask for help or arrange for respite care.

4. Experiencing Unhealthy Physical Changes

Caregiver burnout isn’t usually relegated to one single sign or symptom. For instance, you might notice several physical changes that are generally unhealthy and not in line with what you normally experience. Such physical issues could include: • Persistent or recurring body aches and pains • Frequent headaches • Sleeping difficulties • Decreased appetite

5. Noticing a Variety of Emotional Issues

Caregiver burnout can contribute to many different emotional issues as well, which usually become increasingly noticeable over time. Some of the emotional problems associated with caregiver burnout to look out for include: • Increased anxiety and stress • Constant worry • Depression or a feeling of hopelessness • An inability to focus and concentrate

6. Neglecting Your Own Health Needs

Some caregivers experiencing burnout get into the habit of putting their own health needs on the back burner. However, doing so could put you in a position where you’re no longer physically capable of providing care for someone else. Instead, consider taking advantage of respite care or relying on other family members so you can keep up with doctors’ appointments and other health-related needs. Ultimately, the healthier you are, the more likely it is you’ll be able to provide the type of care your loved one needs and deserves. Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Des Moines families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Home Care Assistance. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation. To learn more about our premier in-home respite care, give us a call today at (515) 264-2438.