Looking after an aging parent, a terminally ill spouse, or a handicapped child can be taxing, no matter how much you love them. You may feel physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion at some point. That’s when you are on the brink of experiencing caregiver burnout.
You are not alone if you feel this way. Nearly 40.4 million Americans offer unpaid care for seniors, with 90% of them being family members. Statistics show that 32.9% of them encounter mental or behavioral health problems. Even worse, 30.7% of unpaid caregivers reported contemplating suicide, according to a survey.
The numbers show that caregiver burnout is real and needs to be dealt with like any other mental health issue. Experts emphasize taking a break when you are on the brink, but you may feel guilty while doing so. Remember that you can give the best to a loved one only when you are happy and healthy.
Here are a few tips to overcome guilt, take a break, and prevent caregiver burnout.
Recognize the Early Signs
Studies show that informal caregivers experience more emotional exhaustion than professional ones. That’s perhaps because you are emotionally attached to the person you look after. The first step to prevent burnout is to recognize the early signs. These may include:
- Physical and emotional exhaustion
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
- Social withdrawal
- Changes in weight and appetite
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Getting sick more often
- Low concentration
- Irritability, frustration, or anger
These signs indicate that you need a break sooner rather than later, and you should take one without feeling guilty.
Acknowledge Your Guilt
According to research, family caregivers often feel guilty after nursing home placement. You may even experience it when taking time off or opting for in-home care. The best way to deal with the negative emotion is to acknowledge it. Suppressing the feeling will only make it more intense, so accept it and find a solution.
Feeling frustrated while looking after an elderly or sick loved one is natural, and everyone should normalize the emotion. You can see a therapist if acceptance seems like a problem because the pent-up emotions can take a toll on your mental health. Besides helping you make peace with your guilt, a therapist can suggest ways to overcome burnout.
Hire a Professional Caregiver
Hiring a professional caregiver is an ideal solution when you want to step down from the role without feeling guilty. With in-home care, you need not send your loved one to a palliative care facility. The best part is that you can still be a part of their care plan.
You can look for a qualified nursing professional to ensure the best care for your loved one. While the country is grappling with a shortage of qualified professionals, the online ABSN degree program has made education accessible to more aspiring nurses. With these degrees, more professionals are entering the nursing field. Finding one for your family member may be easier than you imagine.
The University of Indianapolis highlights the significance of accelerated programs because they ensure completion within a shorter time frame. That’s crucial in a country falling short of professional caregivers and facing a serious family caregiver burnout crisis.
Build a Support System
Not everyone can afford professional caregivers for the long haul. You may hire a nurse for a bit and return to your duties after a short break. It makes sense, but the feelings of exhaustion may surface again. Building a support system can help you keep burnout at bay. Start by seeking help in the family- from your spouse, children, or siblings.
Organizations within your community often extend support to family caregivers. Support is available in different forms, from home care to adult daycare centers and community meal programs. Joining an online community of caregivers is a good idea because just knowing that you aren’t struggling alone with the feelings of guilt makes you emotionally strong.
A Final Word
On average, family caregivers spend 24.4 hours providing care per week. You may need to give a lot more to an ailing or dying loved one. Besides the time and effort, just being around a sick person at all times is traumatic. Caregiver burnout is a reality you have to live with, and the only way to get through is to take a break from the role.
These tips can help you do it without feeling guilty because you deserve time off to maintain your health and sanity. Remember that stepping away doesn’t mean letting down your loved one. It is something you must do to be healthy enough to help them in the long haul.
Madison Lewis writes about general health topics. She explains complex health concepts in plain language. Lewis keeps up with the latest research to provide accurate health advice. She aims to educate and empower readers. Lewis has degrees in Biology and Public Health.