Caregiver burnout is one of the most preventable issues that can occur when caring for a senior loved one. Too often, burnout is the result of a well-meaning caregiver trying to do everything possible for his or her loved one but forgetting not to let stress go too far. Family caregivers should be wary of the following six causes of burnout so they can take steps to prevent it from occurring.
1. Setting Unrealistic Expectations
When you became a caregiver, your goals might have included boosting your loved one’s health. While proper care and nutrition go a long way toward enhancing quality of life, you may not be able to control everything that affects your loved one’s wellbeing. Try to give yourself a break and focus on the positive things you are able to do instead of the things you cannot control.
If you are the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Montgomery, 24-hour care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Home Care Assistance, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
2. Refusing to Reach Out for Support
Whether you worry about annoying a family member by asking for help or think you are capable of doing it all, you should never be afraid to ask for support. Sit down and create a list of several people you can call for help, then call each person to make sure they are all willing to help. From asking a neighbor to call your loved one once a week to asking a professional caregiver how to manage a new challenge, you need to know you have people to turn to when times get difficult.
3. Taking on Too Much
Grocery shopping for two households while simultaneously handling work, kids, and a senior’s care is too much for anyone. Take a hard look at your current daily routine to find certain parts you can delegate to prevent you from being overloaded.
4. Letting Your Health Go
Family caregivers are at high risk for injuries and illnesses. You may find it challenging to create time for handling things such as annual physicals, but your health plays a vital role in staving off burnout. Make it a habit to arrange for respite care when you know you need to go to the doctor.
Montgomery respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
5. Forgetting to Arrange for Breaks
There is a reason companies give employees breaks. Taking some time off is important for refreshing your mind and spirit. Make sure someone else steps in to take care of your loved one at least once a week so you can get some much-needed time for relaxation.
6. Failing to Alter the Care Plan as Needed
You should be worried about burnout every time your loved one experiences a change in health that adds new duties to your care plan. Often, you may forget how much simpler things were when you started, and all of the extra work can add up to stress. When your loved one receives a new diagnosis, talk to his or her medical team about changes you may need to make in the home care routine.
If you are the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality home care, Montgomery Home Care Assistance can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age. To hire a dedicated caregiver for your aging loved one, call us at (334) 593-3988 today.