Tips for managing stress for caregivers in Home Care in Richmond VA. Ask for and accept help. Make a list of ways other people can help you. Focus on what you can do.
The term “exhaustion” was first coined by the American psychologist Herbert Freudenberger in the 1970s. He used it to describe the effects of severe stress and high ideals in what he called “helping professions,” such as healthcare. Caregiver exhaustion is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. It can be accompanied by a change in attitude, moving from a positive and affectionate attitude to a negative and carefree attitude. Burnout can happen when you don't get the help you need or if you try to do more than you can, either physically or financially.
Caregivers who are exhausted may have fatigue, stress, anxiety, and depression. Many caregivers also feel guilty if they spend time with themselves and not with their sick or elderly loved ones. It's important to know the signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout so you can get the help you need when you need it most. Each person who is burnt out by a caregiver has a different experience depending on how it affects them.
You can schedule temporary care to take a break from providing care for a few hours, a few days, or several weeks. It can help you relax and find a balance between your responsibility as a caregiver and your personal life. There is support, there are shortcuts and strategies to reorganize your priorities and become a happier person and a better caregiver. As a caregiver, it's easy to feel trapped in your role or unable to change your situation for the better. Providing long-term care can especially increase the risk of exhaustion and vulnerability to physical and mental health conditions.
Plus, it's an easy trap to fall into as a caregiver, especially if you feel stuck in a role you didn't expect or unable to change things for the better. Many cities have volunteer networks that help older people and their caregivers with pending tasks or light maintenance tasks. A caregiver's primary responsibility is to ensure that the person in their care is safe and healthy. Thinking about all the care tasks you need to do this week, for example, can leave you feeling overwhelmed or unsure about where to start.
Caregiver burnout can affect a person in a number of ways, including physically, psychologically, economically, and socially. If you need something more specific, try to make a list of all the ways your care is making a difference. Very few of these caregivers received training for this role, and most receive very little support. Not surprisingly, many caregivers don't have enough energy for themselves and are at risk of fatigue when caring for others.
While caring for a loved one will never be stress-free, the following tips can help you lighten the burden, avoid symptoms of caregiver burnout and find greater balance in your life.
