How To Care For The Elderly Without Burning Out

Being a caregiver is a difficult and stressful job. You are responsible for another person, and it’s your job to make sure they have everything they need. The problem is that sometimes the job can be too much, and you don’t even realize it until it’s too late.

When you start to feel like you’re burning out as a caregiver, it’s time to take steps toward self-care. Here are some tips for taking care of yourself when being a caregiver gets too much:

Recognize The Signs Of Caregiver Burnout

The first step toward self-care is recognizing when you’re burning out as a caregiver. Caregiver burnout occurs when an individual experiences emotional exhaustion due to stressors associated with caring for an elderly person or other dependent loved one. This condition can result in physical problems such as:

  • Weight loss or gain; 
  • Insomnia;
  • Fatigue; and 
  • Irritability; among others.

If you experience any of these signs, take action immediately by finding ways to reduce stress or take time off from caregiving responsibilities.

Take Time For Yourself

Caring for an elderly loved one takes a lot out of you, but it can also be very rewarding. However, if you don’t take care of yourself, you may burn out and resent your role as caregiver. Take time to relax each day so that you can continue to care for your loved one with a clear head.

Accept Help — And Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For It

It’s natural to feel uncomfortable asking for help from friends and family when it comes to caring for an elderly loved one. You may worry about inconveniencing them or about taking away their time and attention from other responsibilities. But caregivers need support too, and accepting help from others will only enable them to continue providing care in the long run.

Make Self-Care A Priority

If you’re caring for an elderly person with dementia or another chronic condition, you’ll need all of your energy and strength to give them the best care possible. That means making self-care a priority — something many caregivers don’t do enough of. That could mean taking time each day for physical activity or meditation, getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, spending time with friends and family members, or pursuing hobbies. 

Caregivers Need To Take Care Of Themselves Too

All the advice in the world can’t take all the stress away from being a caregiver, but it can help to lessen the load. This can mean making certain changes that don’t seem like a big deal at first, such as becoming more aware of what you are eating and drinking. Or it can mean outsourcing some of your responsibilities to other people or taking a little time off from work. The goal is to make yourself as comfortable as possible so you can provide good care for your loved ones.

Also, remember to take advantage of any agency or organization that could offer help in these areas or that may have caregiving resources available to them. At Saige Homecare we have both skilled and compassionate staff on hand 24/7 to assist you when you need to take a break, and before you burn out. Contact us today to learn more.