Caregiver Burnout
We’re noticing that more and more family members and friends (non-professional caregivers) are providing care for their loved ones. This trend will likely continue as the population ages — over 20% of people in the US will be 65 years old and older by 2030.
Professional caregivers work defined hours, have peer support, and are trained to navigate the challenges that accompany caring for aging adults. When family and friends fill a caregiver role, they’re usually contributing alone while juggling their own career, family, and personal needs.
When the stress of providing care builds, it’s natural to feel confused by wanting to show up for your loved one, while also feeling overwhelmed. Like the airplane oxygen mask instructions — you need to take care of yourself before you can take care of somebody else. Here are a few suggestions for how to maintain balance in your life and reduce your risk of caregiver burnout.
Focus on your strengths
Caregiving is rewarding. It feels good to show up for others when they need help. It’s also important to remember that you can’t do it all! If you love cooking, focus on preparing meals. If you love reading or listening, focus on providing social interaction for your loved one. While you’ll likely need to fill multiple roles, remember to provide care in a way that makes you shine, too.
Accept help
When you accept that you can’t go it alone, you’ll be able to recruit others to help fill roles like delivering groceries or going on walks with your loved one. Help can also take the form of technology through emergency alert systems and home sensors that monitor your loved one’s safety when they’re home alone. And, of course, professional support is an option.
Set achievable goals
While it would be nice to mow the grass, clean the gutters, and cook a big Sunday dinner all in one day, setting yourself up for failure will only add to whatever stress you’re experiencing caregiving. Remember that it’s OK to say no and to protect time for your own hobbies and goals.
Caregiving is an admirable thing to do for a loved one. We hope you remember that it can be rewarding and challenging at the same time. If you’re interested in how technology can help your caregiving, please feel free to contact us by email or phone.