What Happens When Caregivers Burn Out?

With the growing number of seniors in North America, caregiver burn out is a very real condition. It can happen to any caregiver after any amount of time but usually happens within the first month to six weeks of senior care giving. It’s important to recognize the signs of caregiver burnout so that if and when it does happen, you can seek support through your network – ie. doctor, friends, support group.

• Not eating right. A change in eating patterns is common in caregiver burnout. It might be too little, or too much, and is an indicator of internal stress.

• Depression. Feeling an extreme amount of stress and possible thoughts of suicide is a big indicator of caregiver burnout.

• No longer interested in your hobbies. You used to like reading, now you don’t, you used to like going to the movies, seeing friends, etc., now you don’t want to. Activities you previously enjoyed that seem uninteresting to you now is a big sign of caregiver burnout.

• You don’t want to spend time with anyone. Not wanting to see friends or family members, or not wanting to interact with people in general is an indicator that your care giving duties have become a strain on you mentally.

• Problems sleeping. You aren’t sleeping enough, you have trouble falling asleep, you don’t want to get out of bed in the morning – these are all signs that your care giving duties are getting the better of you.

• Your immunity is low. You have aches and pains, and even a cold that doesn’t seem to want to go away. A weakened immunity is a reaction to stress.

If you find that these symptoms are happening to you and you believe it’s due to caregiver burnout, don’t hesitate to enlist someone to help you support your loved one, and/or take some time to yourself. It’s important that you spend time on yourself throughout the day. Even 20 minutes a day meditating, walking in nature, etc., will help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated during this hard time.

If you live in the N. Vancouver area, and would like information about senior care in Vancouver, or free referrals for assisted living in North Shore, you can call the Always Best Care N. Vancouver location at 778-945-3010 to set up a free care consultation. They look forward to talking with you about your future!