If you were facing caregiver burnout, would you know that’s what you’re experiencing? Unfortunately, for many people caring for a loved one with memory loss, they wouldn’t know this, leading them to feel helpless while possibly impacting their overall physical and emotional health.
It’s crucial to know the symptoms and stages of caregiver stress and burnout so you can better care for yourself as well as the person you’re caring for – and we’re here to help.
What is caregiver burnout?
Caregiver burnout, according to Cleveland Clinic, is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that may be accompanied by a change in attitude, often from caring to unconcerned. Often, it comes from caring for a loved one with such devotion and intention that you forget to care for yourself, leading to a range of negative effects.
Stages and symptoms can vary from person to person, but each has some key signs that can let you know this is what you’re experiencing.
What are the stages of caregiver burnout?
According to Medical News Today, there are three stages of caregiver burnout that you may experience: frustration, isolation and despair.
Frustration
Medical News Today shares that during this stage, you may begin to feel frustrated or disappointed that the person you’re caring for is not improving. You may have trouble accepting that your loved one’s condition will decline, no matter how adeptly you care for them.
Isolation
Over time, you may also begin to isolate yourself or feel lonely in your role. This may be because those around you don’t appreciate your time and effort, or because you yourself are withdrawing from those you love.
Despair
As the caregiving journey progresses, you may find it hard to concentrate, difficult to enjoy your hobbies and interests, and you may even begin to avoid social interactions, according to the article by Medical News Today. The article also states that the level of care provided may also lessen as you spend less time caring for yourself.
What are the symptoms of caregiver burnout?
While the warning signs of caregiver stress and burnout can vary, Cleveland Clinic shares that some of the more common symptoms family caregivers experience include:
- Withdrawal from family, friends and loved ones
- Loss of interest
- Feeling irritable and hopeless
- Changes in weight and appetite
- Altered sleep patterns
- Increased sickness
- Emotional and physical exhaustion
- Wanting to hurt yourself or the person you’re caring for
How To Cope With Caregiver Burnout
Caregivers are known for being selfless; however, this trait can negatively affect you in the long run. This is why one of the best short-term solutions to coping with and preventing burnout is taking the time to care for yourself.
Whether that means engaging in self-care, spending time with those you love, finding ways to enhance your physical health and mental health, or getting rest to prevent exhaustion or caregiver fatigue, taking this time can help keep you from feeling overwhelmed, stressed and depressed.
If taking time for yourself is easier said than done, some other ways you can cope with caregiver burnout include:
- Learning as much as you can about your loved one’s particular form of dementia to be better prepared for what’s ahead
- Attending caregiver support groups either in person or virtually
- Delegating specific tasks and caregiving responsibilities to friends and family members
- Finding resources on navigating changing family roles and how to communicate effectively
- Trying expert techniques to help keep your loved one safe
- Educating yourself on how to navigate and manage difficult behaviors
- Using a respite care service, allowing your loved one to receive medical care from a trained professional
Will moving my loved one to a memory care community help?
For many caregivers, moving their loved one to a memory care community like Bridges® by EPOCH is the solution that works best – but why is this?
Expert Care and Increased Safety
Memory care communities have expert caregivers available around the clock and increased safety measures to ensure your loved one is protected. Even better, all our communities were meticulously planned and designed to keep those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia safe in a warm, welcoming environment with a team who cares for your loved one as if they’re their own family.
Chef-Prepared Meals
Whether it’s breakfast with friends, lunch with family, or a delicious dinner, memory care communities take the pressure of creating meals off your plate, always keeping your loved one’s nutritional needs and preferences in mind.
Enriching Programs and Activities
Instead of planning things to do with your loved one, memory care communities take care of it all. Our communities tailor our programs around each resident’s life story, favorite hobbies, interests, accomplishments and more, all to spark joy.
You Can Simply Enjoy Their Company
Since you don’t need to worry about the everyday tasks of caring for your loved one, you can just enjoy spending time with them. With more free time, you can begin to feel more like yourself again while knowing your loved one is in the best possible hands.
We’re Here for You
For more helpful resources about caregiver burnout, or to learn how we can help, reach out to your local Senior Advisor or attend an upcoming education or support event.
Enhancing Quality of Life
Bridges® by EPOCH memory care communities have been developed from the ground up to anticipate, meet and exceed the needs of our residents and their families. Our team of remarkable people, the exceptional care and services we offer, and the purposeful design of our buildings all combine to create the most rewarding, secure and nurturing lifestyle possible for our residents.
Bridges® by EPOCH communities are located in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, in the following towns: Norwalk, CT; Stamford, CT; Trumbull, CT; Andover, MA; Hingham, MA; Lexington, MA; Mashpee, MA; Pembroke, MA; Sudbury, MA; Westford, MA; Westwood, MA; and Nashua, NH.