Home Care Services: One of the biggest problems that caregivers who are caring for senior loved ones face is burnout.
Burnout isn’t just being a little tired. Burnout occurs when you are physically and emotionally overwhelmed by the stresses of caregiving. It’s a serious condition that happens to caregivers every day, but many caregivers are reluctant to talk about it. They think if they just power through or keep pushing they can get over it. But that’s not how burnout works. If you are on the edge of burnout and you start to notice some of these symptoms it’s time to stop, pause, and focus on your own health. Call a Home Care Services Provider to get the assistance you need.
The symptoms of caregiver burnout include:
- No energy
- Extreme fatigue
- Eating too much/eating too little
- No joy in life/feeling like everything is an obligation
- Irritability
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Ignoring your own physical and emotional needs
- Mood swings
- Stomach aches
- Migraines or serious headaches
- Sleeping too much
- Insomnia
- Being unable to “switch off”
What To Do If You’re Heading For Burnout
If you have noticed that you’re exhibiting some of the symptoms of caregiver burnout you need to take a break and focus on your own needs. You will not be able to take proper care of your senior loved ones when you’re drowning in responsibilities. The first thing you should do is arrange for 24-hour home care for your senior loved ones. 24-hour home care will give you the peace of mind of knowing that your senior parents are being well taken care of so that you can relax and take a step back. Even if it’s just for a few days 24-home care for your senior loved ones is essential.
The next thing that you need to do is take a breath. You are probably juggling responsibilities in other areas of your life with caregiving so in order to prevent burnout, you’ll need to deal with those responsibilities too but not immediately. Take a day or two off from work, get a friend or your partner to watch the kids, and just take a break from everything. Go to a hotel. Go to a spa. Go anywhere where you don’t have to worry about the laundry on the floor or cooking dinner or any of the other tasks that are overwhelming you.
If you can’t take a couple of days off then at least take a few hours off. Go to a movie where you cannot have your cell phone on or a library. Go get a facial and get your hair cut. Take care of your physical and emotional needs.
Then slowly you can start picking up responsibilities again but not all at once. Start with yourself. Make a doctor’s appointment for yourself. Find a caregiving support group. Talk to your partner. Make your own needs a priority. Then from there, you can start easing back in the tasks that you need to do as a parent, a partner, and a caregiver to your senior loved ones. Remember that 24-hour care providers are always available to take over your responsibilities when you need a break. Taking a break isn’t a luxury for caregivers, it’s a necessity. Home Care Services is always there for you to take a break from the day-to-day grind of caregiving.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care Services in Manhattan Beach, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Our number is: 323-244-4789
