Even though you are a primary caregiver to someone else, caring for
yourself should always take first priority. “Caregiver burnout” is real and it
affects not only you, but your senior loved one and your other family members.
For those who may not know, caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional
and mental exhaustion that is brought on by unrelieved stress related to
caregiving. It is not something to be taken lightly, especially during Mental
Health Awareness Month. That’s why our care team in Pitman,
NJ has put together warning signs and the 5 most effective ways to
avoid the dreaded caregiver burn
out.
Signs of caregiver burnout
If you are experiencing any or all of the signs listed below, you are
broaching on burnout territory.
- Becoming
irrationally impatient or angry with the person in your care and others
around you
- Generally
feeling like caregiving is controlling every aspect of your life
- Lack of energy,
overwhelming fatigue and sleeping problems
- Weight loss or
weight gain due to changes in eating habits
- Losing interest
or withdrawing from activities you once enjoyed
- Neglecting your
own needs both physically and emotionally
- Feelings of
hopelessness, depression, or anxiety; frequent mood swings
- Frequently
experiencing headaches, stomach aches or other physical problems that are
not common for you
Preventing caregiver burnout: 5 methods
Now that you are aware of the warning signs, here are 5 of the best
methods in preventing caregiver burnout:
- Allocate at least 1 hour of each day just
for you. Easier said than done, but really commit to that 1 hr each day
and do whatever you want with it. Turn your phone off and enjoy your
morning coffee in silence. Or read a few chapters of a new book you’ve
been dying to dig into.
- Delegate tasks to others when
possible. The people who are closest to you will always want to help you out,
especially if they know you may be experiencing caregiver burnout. If you
are married or in a relationship, ask your significant other to take over
cooking dinner. Or ask one of your good friends to run those extra errands
for you. Taking some daily tasks off your plate will alleviate stress and
will give you more time to focus on yourself.
- Prioritize your personal needs. Do not keep
putting off that doctor’s appointment or skip weekly workouts. Your needs
matter, they are valid and you are entitled to take care of yourself first
before caring for someone else. If you have to, go to sleep earlier and
wake up earlier in the morning to gain more time for your self-care.
- Join a caregiver support group. It often
helps to speak to others who are going through the same feelings as you.
Fortunately, there are caregiving support groups that you attend either in
person or virtually. Two of the most well-known support groups are
the Caregiver
Action Network and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
- Consider respite care at United Methodist
Communities. It’s so important to take a mental break and go on a vacation
once in a while, especially if you are a full-time caregiver. If you’re
wondering who can watch mom or dad while you’re away, respite care is an
ideal solution. Respite care at UMC provides your loved one with
individualized care in a safe, nurturing environment with a professional
staff to support their needs 24/7.
Respite care in Pitman, NJ
At Pitman, caregiving revolves around the quality of our nurses and
associates, our faith-based mission, and our commitment to an abundant life for
all seniors. We offer a variety of senior care services that
can put your mind and the minds of your family members at ease. Respite is a
perfect opportunity to try out UMC at Pitman before making a commitment and
many people become residents through this avenue. They find new friends,
outlets for their interests, as well as a very welcoming environment.
To learn more about respite care for seniors in Gloucester County, please
contact United Methodist Communities at Pitman today or visit our website
at: https://pitman.umcommunities.org/
Original blog posted on https://pitman.umcommunities.org/2021/05/04/5-ways-to-avoid-caregiver-burnout/
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