Signs of Caregiver Burnout
Caring for someone with dementia can last for years and often grows harder over time. Many caregivers put their own health last. November is National Family Caregivers Month, a good time to check in on yourself.
Warning signs
- Feeling exhausted most of the time, even after sleeping
- Getting sick more often
- Feeling irritable, hopeless or resentful
- Withdrawing from friends and activities you used to enjoy
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling that caregiving controls your life
- Losing patience more often with the person you care for
If you see several of these in yourself, you may be experiencing caregiver burnout. It is not a personal failure. It’s a sign that you need more support.
Steps you can take
- Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling, including stress, sleep and mood.
- Ask for specific help from family members and friends.
- Take regular breaks with adult day programs, in-home help or short respite stays.
- Join a support group, in person or online.
- Keep one thing just for you, whether it’s a weekly lunch with a friend, a round of golf or time at church.
When it’s time for more help
Sometimes the best way to care for a loved one is to share the work with a team. If your loved one’s safety or your own health is at risk, it may be time to consider memory care. Many families say that after the move, they get to be a husband, wife, son or daughter again, instead of a full-time caregiver.
If you ever feel overwhelmed or unsafe, contact your doctor or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Have questions about memory care for someone you love? Call Generations Senior Living at (352) 474-2696 or schedule a tour of one of our three homes near The Villages.
