We want to start off by saying that we understand on a deep level what it means to take on the role of a caregiver for a family member or loved one. It’s a responsibility that almost everyone will be in at one time or another, yet it’s rarely discussed how much of a toll caregiving can take on your own life. Loving and caring for your family member is a top priority, but caregiving can be so much more than that.
By giving a piece of your heart through daily acts of service, it’s understandable at times to feel stressed, worn out, or even isolated. Although the weight may be heavy, we want to be the first to say everything you are feeling is completely normal!
Caregiver burnout is a real and heavy feeling to face, but you do not have to tackle it alone. Although this journey looks different for everyone, we commend you on taking the time to prioritize your own self-care, as it is the best way to create a healthcare plan that is successful for everyone.
What does caregiver burnout look like?
Here at Home Instead, we want to make it clear caregiver burnout looks different on everyone. No matter how you feel this sense of exhaustion manifesting, we encourage you to validate your feelings and know it is okay.
If you’re unsure if the toll of caregiving has affected you, here are symptoms we commonly hear from our clients:
- Chronic fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Neglecting personal needs
If any of these symptoms resonated with you, know you are not alone. All of us at Home Instead want to help support you and your loved one in whatever avenue feels right to you.
I am feeling completely overwhelmed caring for my loved one…
Absolutely not! By prioritizing another human (especially one that means so much), your needs will always seem to fall to the wayside. After a long enough period of time of putting your own needs on the backburner, it’s only natural to feel a sense of exhaustion.
When you first take on a caregiving role, it’s natural to put the needs of your loved one before your own because you likely anticipate that it will only be for a short period of time. In reality, the needs of your loved one are only going to continue to grow as their age or disease progresses. Time can slip away and before you know it, it’s been months or years of putting everyone before yourself.
We want to say it first, self-care is not selfish; it is an essential component of caregiving and something we prioritize when making your customized care plan. No matter what self-care looks like to you, whether it be carving out time for activities you enjoy, exercising, or simply taking a break to relax, we here at Home Instead want to make it happen.
Where do I start looking for help?
To start the search for help on caregiver burnout, take a moment and decide what would best support you. Are you looking for a group of like-minded individuals to act as support? Is the daily routine of caregiving too much to handle on your own?
No matter how you’re feeling, we recommend reaching out to friends or family as an initial shoulder to lean on. They know your situation best and can provide both a listening ear and physical support. This can take a lot of the initial heaviness of caregiver burnout away as you look for further options.
Caregiver support groups are one of our most beloved options for both staff and clients when tackling burnout. To learn more about how support groups can help, click here.
I’m considering help - but I don’t know where to start.
How will a caregiver know how to take care of my loved one?
Absolutely not! Here at Home Instead, we view our Care Pros as an extension of the support you give to your loved one. No matter what plan fits into your routine best, whether it be a few hours a week or 24/7 support, we want to help lighten the load of caregiving.
Not sure how a caregiver can fit into the daily routine of your family? We can assist in all avenues from transportation, meals, personal grooming, and safety. Above all, we want to provide a sense of companionship towards your loved one in a way that feels natural for whatever duration you need.
Caregiver burnout is a real and difficult issue so many of us face when taking care of a loved one. We want to encourage anyone questioning their caregiver burnout to lean into support and look for external options.
By prioritizing your own personal needs, you are better equipped to provide the love, compassion, and support your loved ones need during their journey. No matter what, Home Instead is here to help with whatever your family may need.
