Recognize & Prevent Caregiver Fatigue And Burnout

Caregiving for a spouse, parent, or close family member is a noble job – and it’s also an exhausting one. Those who serve as primary family caregivers are at risk for caregiver fatigue, which leads to burnout. 

In addition to compromising your own health and well-being, caregiver fatigue and burnout compromise the level of care your loved one receives. You simply cannot provide patient, unending care around the clock if you aren’t taking care of yourself.

7 Red Flags Indicating Caregiver Fatigue

The following are seven of the most common red flags indicating caregiver fatigue. If they go ignored, the fatigue progresses into full-fledged burnout. This can result in physical illness or disease, not to mention mental and emotional breakdowns. In worst-case scenarios, unchecked caregiver fatigue also results in neglect or abuse of the patient.  If you or someone you love is a primary caregiver, pay attention and seek support if you notice any of these signs.

You can’t keep your eyes open

Not surprisingly, chronic exhaustion is one of the first signs of caregiver fatigue. In many cases, this is the result of being sandwiched as a caregiver between the needs of children who are still at home in addition to the one you’re caring for. Sleepless nights may also contribute. Figuring out how to get the rest you need is imperative.  That said, sleeping all the time is another sign of caregiver fatigue, as well as depression, so aim for the regular seven to nine hours per night if possible – and schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if you’re suffering from interrupted sleep or difficulty waking up.

Difficulties concentrating or focusing

A tired brain isn’t as efficient as a well-rested one. Most people with caregiver fatigue have a hard time focusing on any one thing. They may feel constantly scattered or notice they’re going from one thing to the next without finishing any of them. 

Forgetfulness

Did you forget a regular meeting, appointment, or calendar date? Are you struggling to remember the exact date or which day of the week it is? Maybe you’ve found yourself driving further up the road than you meant to because you missed the regular turn into your neighborhood grocery store or bank.  Caregivers often feel like they’re at risk for a dementia diagnosis because their memory stops working like it used to. This is rarely the sign of a medical condition and typically indicates you are overtired and overworked – and that you need additional support! 

Moodiness (depression, irritability, anger, anxiety)

Most caregivers experiencing fatigue or burnout look back and see how their moods shifted and became increasingly erratic. Part of this is due to the inevitable fatigue accompanying caregiving when you don’t get the respite care you need. However, never underestimate the power of anticipatory grief. If you’re caregiving for someone in a terminal situation, you have to put on the business face while you’re grieving the person/relationship you’ve already lost or anticipate losing. Those feelings deserve to be felt and expressed via healthy outlets. 

Overconsumption of food/alcohol/medication to numb out

Many caregivers slipping from fatigue to burnout begin overeating (or undereating) or using unhealthy amounts of alcohol or recreational drugs as an escape. Your health and well-being are a priority – which requires a balanced diet and regular exercise – sans excess alcohol or drugs. However, your mental clarity/sobriety is also essential to be a good caregiver. Be accountable and reach out for support if you notice you’re choosing unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Inability to maintain personal meetings, appointments, and social engagements

When was the last time you went to dinner or coffee with a good friend or upheld the regular rhythm of your personal healthcare, grooming, or social appointments and engagements? If you skip more events than you attend, it’s time to enlist support. Caregiving requires balance or burnout is inevitable.

Feelings of anger or resentment towards the one you care for

This is so common, and it’s absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Naturally, you feel burdened, frustrated, or resentful as a result of your new caregiving role. These feelings are even more expected if you’ve been caregiving for several months or longer. However, these feelings are also a sign of caregiver fatigue or burnout. They put both you and your loved one at risk. Seek help ASAP to ensure the time you spend with the one you care for is as compassionately dedicated as it was in the beginning.

Five Things You Can Do To Relieve Caregiver Burnout

Here are five things you can do right now to relieve caregiver burnout and get yourself back in balance again.

Contact a hospice or palliative care provider

Hospice and palliative care providers are here to support you. We have an incredible team of physicians, nurses, nursing aids, spiritual counselors, and volunteers who dedicate our lives to helping caregivers just like you. You’ll be amazed at how quickly the quality of life increases when you have a dedicated hospice care team put in place.

Reach out to family and friends

Caregivers need bonafide time off, just like everyone else. Reach out to family, friends, or church peers and ask if anyone can provide a few hours a week to take over. Once a schedule is established, you’ll be able to get out of the house and take care of yourself. At first, that might look like taking a shower that’s longer than five minutes or taking a walk in a favorite park. Pretty soon, those respite care shifts will mean having a good chat and a coffee or lunch with a friend, taking a long nap, having your hair or nails done, or attending your child/grandchild’s extracurricular activities. Respite care is game-changing.

Resist the urge to micromanage

Caregiving can become a double-edged sword if you’re not careful. You want to get away but find you can’t because you suffer under the illusion that “nobody can do it as good as I can…” and the idea that the whole kit and kaboodle will go down the tubes without you. In fact, that’s not the case at all. Nobody can do it like you, but plenty of us can do it well enough to keep things together while you get a break. We promise!

Utilize hospice volunteer offerings

There is a lot to take in when you’re going through the initial intake process and getting used to how hospice care works. However, don’t overlook the offer to provide volunteers. Hospice volunteers go through intensive training, and their goal is to support our clients and their families in any way they can. This can include a long list of options, such as respite care, grocery shopping, dog walking, gardening, meal delivery, plant watering, and more. Take advantage of these FREE services, which free you up to take better care of yourself.

Focus on healthy foods and regular movement

Your body requires healthy nourishment and regular movements. Make it a point to have plenty of healthy, easy-to-grab, or heat snacks and meals. This ensures you can eat when you need to and get the vitamins and minerals your body needs to do the good work you’re doing. Consider using something like Meal Train, which allows family and friends to bring meals, snacks, or schedule food delivery as requested by the calendar. If you aren’t able to get out of the house to exercise just yet, take advantage of the many YouTube videos that are out there and find 10 or 20 minutes each day to move, stretch, get the heart rate up, and move those stress hormones right out of your system.

Take Advantage Of Support From Hospice of the Golden Isles

Are you suffering from caregiver fatigue and burnout? Don’t waste another minute. Contact the team at Hospice of the Golden Isles. We’re here to support you in any way we can, including putting you in touch with the many caregiver support resources available in our area.