If you’re a caregiver or you know someone who is a caregiver, then you already know about the stress and turmoil it can cause a person. Caregiver stress syndrome, also known as caregiver burnout, is a very real condition that results in physical, mental and emotional exhaustion. Generally, it occurs because the caregiver is so focused on caring for their loved one that they end up neglecting their own health.

“If you don’t care for yourself, you can’t provide care for someone else,” says Reshma Nair, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover, a Memory Care Assisted Living community in Andover, MA. “It’s easy for caregivers to push their needs to the side because they feel like they’re being selfish, but the simple fact is that when caregivers care for themselves, they’re less stressed and better able to provide the best possible care to their loved one.”

Caregiver stress results in a slew of health issues, according to the Mayo Clinic. They report that:

• 11% of caregivers state that their role has caused their physical health to decline
• 45% of caregivers have chronic conditions, including heart attacks, heart disease, cancer, diabetes and arthritis
• Caregivers have a 23% higher level of stress hormones and 15% lower level of antibody responses than non-caregivers
• 10% of primary caregivers report physical stress from the demands of assisting their loved one physically
• Women who spend 9 or more hours a week caring for a spouse increased their risk of heart disease by 100%
• 72% of caregivers report that they had not gone to the doctor regularly
• 58% of caregivers state that their eating habits have become worse

Signs of Caregiver Stress Syndrome

The signs of caregiver stress and burnout are very similar to the signs of depression (which makes sense, because depression and stress go hand-in-hand). Here are some of the warning signs:
 

• Feeling anxious, depressed or irritated
• Being run down and tired
• Having difficulty sleeping (or conversely, sleeping too much)
• Finding yourself overreacting to minor nuisances or situations
• New health problems, or the worsening of current ones
• Having difficulty concentrating
• Feeling resentful or angry towards your loved one or others

• Relying on smoking, drinking or eating to help combat your stress
• Neglecting your own health
• Withdrawing from leisure activities and hobbies

Left unchecked, caregiver stress will result in caregiver burnout, which is a very serious problem indeed. Caregiver burnout results in signs of extreme stress and depression, and can eventually lead to physical, mental and emotional breakdowns. Look for symptoms like:

• Having very little energy
• Being sick constantly
• Deep exhaustion, no matter how much you sleep or how many breaks you take
• No longer caring for your personal needs because you simply don’t care
• Your entire life revolves around caregiving
• You’re unable to relax, even when assistance is being provided
• You feel hopeless and helpless

The most important thing for caregivers to remember is that they are not alone and help is available. Friends and family members of caregivers should be aware of the signs of stress and burnout so they can step in before things become too dire. Trust us – by being aware of caregiver stress, the quality of life for you and your loved one will improve greatly.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Caregiver Stress and Burnout

Ask for and accept help. Not surprisingly, this is one of the most difficult things for most caregivers to do, whether it’s because they believe they should do it all or can’t think of what to ask for or any other reason. While it may seem like just one more thing on your to-do list, it’s worth it to your mental health to create a list of specific, concrete ways that others can help you out. That way, when someone asks how they can help, you have ideas on hand. Having a list to choose from can also make it easier for you to ask for help. People are much more willing to say “yes” when there’s something specific and direct they can do.

Accept that you are only human. Guilt is a constant companion to all caregivers. We always feel like we “should” be doing more or providing better care. In other words, we’re our own worst critics! It’s essential to give yourself grace and realize that you are only human – and that there is no such thing as a perfect caregiver. There are many different ways for you to get into this headspace. Meditation and mindfulness practices are great ways to start. Another technique involves actively flipping the script in your head when you start thinking negative thoughts. For example, when you find yourself thinking, “I should be a better caregiver,” think about all the ways you’re a good caregiver.

Join a caregiver support group. Support groups, whether in-person or online, are some of the best places for caregivers to get connected and find caregiving resources available to them. Not only are they great sources of information, but they are also a place where “real talk” is actively encouraged. Many caregivers may feel isolated and alone because it may seem that there’s no one in their lives who understands what they’re going through. In a caregiver support group, you’ll find yourself surrounded by people who are either in the same position or who have been in the same position as you. This can be a great way to get advice, vent frustrations or simply talk to people without fear of judgement. Bridges® by EPOCH hosts monthly caregiver support groups online. Simply reach out to our Senior Advisor to learn how you can register to attend.

Stay connected to friends and family. Yes, it may require a bit of effort, but staying connected to family and friends who provide emotional support without judgement can be an amazing boost to your morale and your mental health. Try to set some time each week to do something socially, whether that’s having someone over for coffee, taking a walk with a friend or even a half-hour phone conversation with someone you care about.

Take care of your health. Eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and getting regular exercise are all essential for your overall health. Doing this will make you feel as physically well as possible, which results in better emotional and mental health.

Caregiving is a stressful and all-encompassing task, which is why it’s so important for caregivers to seek help and understand that they are not alone. There are many resources available and people who care who can help you or another caregiver in your life provide the best possible care to their loved ones – and themselves.

Exceptional Care. Engaging Lifestyle.

Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover provides specialized memory care in an assisted living environment that is comfortable, positive and welcoming. Built solely to care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover creates a wellness-focused, engaging lifestyle that respects individual preferences, focuses on residents’ abilities and creates meaning in daily life.

Dedicated Memory Care.

Through every stage of memory loss, residents and their families have complete peace of mind. Our compassionate dementia care and unique programs are tailored to meet the physical, cognitive and emotional needs of each resident wherever they are on their own journey, allowing them to age in place safely, comfortably and with dignity.

Supportive, Purpose-Built Design.

Featuring a stunning residential design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover is much more than a beautiful place to live; it’s a community where residents’ lives are enriched and families enjoy meaningful moments together. Our research-based design features soft colors and lighting, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life-enrichment stations that empower residents to explore their homes with confidence.

Contact us today to learn more.