Restore Your Role

Caregiving is a big responsibility. Some people fall into the position, others choose to become a caregiver for their loved one. Either way being a caregiver is a responsibility some could not take on due to the demanding requirements. Caregiving can become a 24/7 job, and when it does, sometimes the caregiver can burn out. When a caregiver does become burnt out they can experience physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion and have a change in attitude towards their loved one. 

Trying to decide if you fall under the category of Caregiver Burnout?

Caregiving is a hard job no doubt, and when you are in a good place physically and emotionally, caregiving can be one of the most fulfilling jobs around. 

So ask yourself: Have I been experiencing any of these signs?

1. Exhaustion or Chronic Fatigue – Are you tired for a prolonged amount of time and do you feel achy and/or feverish?
2. Always getting sick- Working long hours everyday can, and mostly likely will, take a toll on your body. It will weaken your immune system and make you more prone to catching any kind of sickness that comes your way. Are you always reaching for the medicine? 
3. Lack of motivation – A job that you once loved and looked forward to everyday has now become something you dread. Have you lost the satisfaction you once thrived off of from your job?
4. Ease of frustration –  Feeling overwhelmed can lead to frustration or overreacting to things that once didn’t faze you. Do you find yourself in this position?
5. Not taking care of yourself – You work a 24/7 job and you can’t seem to find the time to work out or you don’t have the energy to. You are overwhelmed and tired so you lack the time, and will, to prepare healthy meals for yourself so you eat something quick and unhealthy. You don’t go to the doctors anymore for checkup or take the time for “me time.” Overall you put yourself second. Does this describe you? 
6. Interpersonal problems – Conflicts with friends and family members become a daily occurrence.
7. Job performance is on a downfall- When first starting your job you are enthusiastic and go the extra mile in everything you do. You now drag your feet and want nothing more than the day to end so you can go home. Compare your work performance now to the way you worked in previous years. See any difference?
8. Mood swings (depression, anger, anxiety) –  One minute you’re content and the next second you’re angry. Does this sound familiar? Do you sometimes think to yourself, why am I sad or angry?
9. Isolation- lack of social life – Has going out with your friends become a thing of the past and lost contact with most if not all of your friends? (As we grow older we often find ourselves skipping the parties and staying out late, which is normal, but even when you are an adult going to the movies or dinner with friends is a must every once and awhile.)
10. Resentment  – You start out as a caregiver because you care what happens to your loved one. Though this may be true, oftentimes you can come to resent your loved one for the time you have to take care of them. When it comes to this point and your find yourself resenting your loved one more and more each day, you are burnt out and need help. Don’t worry, keep reading. We have help for you.

If you have said yes to one or more of these signs, then you may fall under the category of Caregiver Burnout. Not to worry, there is help, there are ways to reverse the signs and become the happy-go-lucky caregiver you once were. You can also consider that it may be time to allow an assisted living community to take care of your loved one. This can restore your roll in your loved one’s life and could help reverse the side effects of being a caregiver. 

Some other ideas to help you reverse the signs of Caregiver Burnout  are…

Respite Care: Respite Care is like a vacation for your loved and can help you “reset.”. You can have your loved one looked after for a short time and you won’t have to worry about their medications, falling, or their safety. their vacation can turn into your vacation so you can get the rest and care YOU need to become a better caregiver. Want more information on respite care? Click Here. You can also go to support groups in your area to be with people who understand what you are going through.

Here at Bel Aire Senior Living, we can answer other questions about this topic for you. We can also help you in making the right decision for your loved one and/or happily take care of them for you.

Call us today! 801-763-0622