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5 Tips to Avoid Caregiver Burnout
Caregiving

5 Tips to Avoid Caregiver Burnout

by Silverado
written by Silverado

Though caregiving for a loved one can be rewarding, it can also involve various stressors that can lead to long-term health issues. An estimated 25-29% of caregivers provide assistance to someone with a form of a dementia or cognitive impairment. The long hours, financial pressures, changes in family and life dynamic can definitely add up, ultimately leading to caregiver burnout. In fact, in 2015, friends and family of people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementias provided an estimated 18.1 billion hours of unpaid care. 5 Tips to Avoid Caregiver Burnout
Caregiver burnout is a result of physical, emotional and mental variety, as the demands of caregiving can take a serious toll on someone’s health. Burnout will ultimately hurt both you and the loved one you’re caring for. This is why taking time to rest and recharge as a caregiver is a necessity to avoid physical and emotional issues that range from heart disease to depression. Here are tips be to manage your burnout: 5 Tips to Avoid Caregiver Burnout

  1. Have An Emotional Outlet

    The act of expressing your feelings and frustrations are extremely cathartic and necessary. Find a trustworthy friend, co-worker or neighbor to talk to. Talking to a therapist, social worker, or care giver support group can also be helpful since they are trained to give advice on complex physical and emotional issues. Withdrawal from family and friends can be a sign of burnout. Creating an emotional outlet will also build a circle of people you trust and confide in, which is crucial for your mental and emotional health.

  2. Prioritize Your Own Health Too

    We all know the practices–eat right, exercise often, and get sufficient sleep. Healthy foods give us sufficient energy and clear minds. Exercise is a powerful stress reliever. Sleep is an essential part of productivity. Stay on top of your emotional health by accepting your feelings and the inevitable frustrations. Don’t skip any medical check-ups. Meditate to boost spirits. Remember that if your health suffers, so will the care of your loved one. Therefore, maintain your health and strong immune system.

  3. Ask For Help

    Take advantage of respite care services when you need the break to avoid risk of pushing yourself too hard. Help can range from a few hours of in-home care, to a short stay at an assisted-living facility. Silverado Care in particular offers programs such as Silverado Flex Care and Overnight Care. Respite care programs provide a temporary relief to the family and also give your loved one a place to socialize, engage in activities, or even get any medical care needed.

  4. Set Aside Time For Yourself

    Taking time to decompress doesn’t always mean taking a week-long vacation. Even if it’s 30 minutes a day for yourself to do whatever you enjoy, it makes a key difference. In fact, one of the signs of caregiver exhaustion include loss in hobbies or interests. Spend time finishing reads on your book list, light candles and take a bath, boost your spirits by seeing a comedy show. These actions help compartmentalize yourself from your caregiving tasks.

  5. Educate Yourself 5 Tips to Avoid Caregiver Burnout

    You can give better care the more you know about your loved one’s condition. Use your resources like assisted living centers and support groups to stay educated. 5 Tips to Avoid Caregiver Burnout
    Click here for 10 Tips to Reduce Caregiving Stress 5 Tips to Avoid Caregiver Burnout

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10 Tips to Reduce Caregiving Stress
Caregiving

10 Tips to Reduce Caregiving Stress

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

Helping a loved one through elder care or illness takes a mental and emotional toll on an individual. When caring for others, it’s important to take care of yourself. If you’re not in good health, the tasks of giving care will fall short, not to mention the hardships and risks it places on you, which range from exhaustion, illness, and burnout. 10 Tips to Reduce Caregiving Stress
The stresses of giving care work out in different forms and several studies report as many as one in three feel anxious and strained. And one in two, report they have less time to spend with their support system. To help relieve potential anxiety and stress, follow these tips. 10 Tips to Reduce Caregiving Stress

  1. Put your health first. Eat wholesome foods and avoid urges for desserts and sweets. Get plenty of sleep and if fatigued during the day, take a nap. Get a regular medical checkup, and if depressed and feel extreme sadness, talk to a medical professional.
  2. Reach out to friends and family members. Do not isolate.
  3. Get support and ask for help. List out what needs doing and ask others to pitch in.
  4. Locate and call local resources like the Area Agency on Aging. They can suggest and make recommendations for assistance. Contact a home care agency to request the help of an aide. Volunteers from faith-based organizations or local groups can help with cooking or driving.
  5. Take a break and consider respite care. Ask a friend to step in while you have lunch or run an errand. Contact an adult day care center for breaks during the day. Plan a longer break by going away for the weekend and turn to assisted living or residential care facilities for help. Some accept short-term stays.
  6. Address your emotions. Don’t keep them bottled up. Call a friend or family member and share your frustrations. Join a local caregiver support group or see a professional counselor.
  7. Once each day, do something you enjoy. Take a walk outside, call a friend on the phone, read, dance, and listen to music. Some individuals meditate, pray, and visualize.
  8. Get prepared and organized. Use a calendar to make a to-do list. And start the day by completing one task and work your way through it. Don’t panic if you can’t get to them all.
  9. Don’t be a people pleaser. It’s okay to set boundaries and to say no. You cannot do everything and meet everyone’s demands. Resist the urge to do more than you can handle.
  10. Avoid pessimism and give yourself credit.

By taking action, you can solve issues before they become problems. Remember that providing care to another person puts strain even on the most active and spirited humans. If you’re a caregiver, take steps to preserve your health and well-being.
For more information check out our article on Top 10 Caregiving Hacks to Simplify Life.

10 Tips to Reduce Caregiving Stress

10 Tips to Reduce Caregiving Stress 10 Tips to Reduce Caregiving Stress 10 Tips to Reduce Caregiving Stress 10 Tips to Reduce Caregiving Stress

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