Give me a Break! Caregiver Burnout
“I feel like I’m running a race, and I can’t see the finish line.” – Caregiver.
Can you imagine running a long distance race, and never seeing the end?! (I know I can’t, because running is not my favorite sport!)
THIS is what caregiving can feel like for the caregiver who is doing it all alone, 24/7.
Working with caregivers first hand, the overarching theme we recognize is that many caregivers are in need of a simple break, or what we call, RESPITE.
Everyone needs a break.
Respite care provides caregivers a temporary rest from caregiving, while their loved one continues to receive care in a safe environment.
Using respite services can support and strengthen the caregiver’s ability to be a healthy caregiver.
Research shows that planned respite can help to improve mood and decrease symptoms related to depression and anxiety.
[Essentially, respite is mental + emotional self-care.]
So, for that caregiver who can’t see the finish line, respite is the pit stop during the race, where they can STOP & take a DEEEEEP BREATH.
Wouldn’t that be nice?!
In the field, we encourage caregivers to: Take care of themselves and ask for help! Trying to handle caregiving all alone can lead to safety risks and may not be beneficial to the caregiver or their loved one.
You might be asking, “well how do I take a break?”
Sure, it’s tough when it seems like the weight of caregiving rests heavy on your shoulders. But even in the smallest of moments, you can catch a breath & take a break:
- Ask a family member, friend, or neighbor to visit
- They can stay with your loved one while you step out the house to go window shopping or enjoy a movie at the theater!
- Do an activity that you enjoy and is meaningful to you
- For example – reading 1 chapter in a good book; taking a walk in the neighborhood; listening to your favorite tune and dancing it out in the living room; calling a friend on the phone & laughing
- Look into formal care services, programs & grants that provide respite
- In-home care agencies, Adult Day centers, short stays in Long Term Care communities all offer respite services
If you ever want to know the quality of care of an individual with Alzheimer’s, LOOK AT THEIR CAREGIVER.
The caregiver’s level of stress, mental state, well-being, and health status can paint a very clear picture.
As the caregiver, take care of yourself & give yourself a break! You are deserving.
2 Responses
Very good and helpful information. Things can become overwhelming for the caregivers before they even realize it. Little breakd as mentioned above and be sooo refreshing.
Keep up the good work providing insightful information.
Thank you so much!! Those little breaks can certainly make a BIG difference! 🙂