Signs of Caregiver Burnout

Blog Category: Lifestyle

If you experience emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion while taking care of someone, you might have caregiver burnout. Learn the causes, signs, and possible solutions for caregiver burnout to maintain a balanced lifestyle.

Causes of Caregiver Burnout

Many factors can contribute to caregiver burnout:

  • Financial Strain: Caregivers may reduce their work hours to be available for their loved one or finance multiple health services to give the best care.
  • Inadequate Training and Support: Caregivers may have a lack of quality resources available to directly serve their loved one or teach them to do so.
  • Lack of Control: Caregivers may feel they have no autonomy over their own lives or how they would like to support their loved one.
  • Role Ambiguity: Caregivers may feel confusion and imbalance over their role with their relation to their loved one.
  • Varied Expectations and Demands: Caregivers may receive or place high expectations and conflicting demands on themselves.
  • Workload: Caregivers may have overwhelming responsibilities to handle for themselves and their loved one.

Signs and Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout

There are many signs of caregiver burnout to be on the lookout for:

  • Anxiety and Depression: Caregiver stress is usually affected by increased anxious thoughts and depressive periods.
  • Cognitive Impairments: Caregivers may have difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or recalling information.
  • Decline in Socializing: Caregivers may become isolated and withdraw from social outings, gatherings, activities, or hobbies they enjoy.
  • Fatigue: Caregiver fatigue stems from mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion.
  • Health Problems: Caregivers may experience notable changes in weight, headaches, high blood pressure, stomach pains, or a lowered resistance to illness.
  • Increased Use of Substances: Caregivers may develop dependency issues on alcohol, food, medications, or other habits that can be harmful.
  • Lack of Routine: Caregivers may have a disorganized daily routine, including their sleep habits.
  • Mood Changes: Caregivers may experience anger, grief, hopelessness, irritability, sadness, or even lack of motivation.

Resources for Caregiver Burnout

There are many resources caregivers can access to help prevent or overcome caregiver stress:

  • Benefits Access: The National Council on Aging can assist those searching for public and private benefits programs for economically insecure older Americans.
  • Local Services: Eldercare Locator can help caregivers identify all available local resources and services in the area.
  • Support Groups: Joining an in-person or online support group like CaringBridge allows caregivers to build community and gain resources.
  • Respite Care: The ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center works to ensure that planned or emergency care is available to provide temporary relief for caregivers.

Learn more about your options for memory care with individualized resources based on your needs through our 5-minute survey powered by Roobrik here.

At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring patrons feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage of life.