By Jackie Tangiers, LCSW-C, Certified Aging Life Care Manager
Being a caregiver to someone you love is more difficult than people think.
It can take a toll on your physical and emotional health, leading to “burnout”. You can ease the burden and improve the situation by recognizing and tapping into the many and varied resources in your community.
What is Caregiver Burnout
Caregiver burnout is a state of overall exhaustion resulting from caregiving responsibilities, particularly when a caregiver tries to overextend themselves physically or financially. Other emotions associated with caregiver burnout can include guilt and frustration. Guilt can arise when a caregiver feels that they are not doing everything they can to help their loved one, or when they take time for themselves away from their caregiving duties. Frustration results when caregivers feel they are not receiving help from those around them, or that they are unable to give their loved one the quality of care they need.
What are the Causes of Caregiver Burnout?
- Being forced into the role of caregiver.
- Caregivers are neglecting their own mental and physical health.
- Setting unrealistic expectations for themselves and the care they are providing.
- Inability to separate their role as a caregiver from other aspects of life.
- Feeling powerless and not in control of the care their loved one is receiving.
What are the Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout?
- Withdrawal from other aspects of life.
- Changes in eating and sleeping patterns.
- Feeling hopeless.
- Depression and irritability.
- Resentment of the person being cared for.
- New or worsening health conditions.
- Substance abuse.
How Can I Prevent Caregiver Burnout?
Taking steps to prevent caregiver burnout is necessary to promote the health of the caregiver and the person they are caring for. An important step is establishing a support system comprising family members, friends, and professionals to aid in caregiving. These are people a caregiver can go to simply to talk to and express their emotions with, or who can provide vital resources to ease the stress of caregiving.
Making time in a busy schedule for a caregiver to take care of their overall well-being can be an essential part of preventing major symptoms that result from caregiver burnout, including depression and extreme fatigue. It may be hard for a caregiver to prioritize their health when the focus is usually on the health of the person they care for, but taking the time to do things like eating right, getting enough sleep, and taking breaks from caregiving can improve the quality of life for both the caregiver and their loved one.
Resources for Caregivers
Caregiving is not something that people have to navigate alone. There are various resources for caregivers that can help them address any issues they may be having or simply provide a listening ear. Support groups for other caregivers are available both in person and online, making it easy to connect with others who may be going through similar struggles.
Other services available to help ease the burden of caregiving include home health services, adult day care programs, home care aids, and certified geriatric care managers. Care managers are knowledgeable resources for providing high-quality, personalized care for your loved one. Care managers can coordinate various aspects of your loved one’s care, including education on care options, navigating the healthcare system, budgeting, legal services, and more.
How to Locate Support Groups and Services
There are disease-specific support groups sprinkled throughout most communities. For instance, the Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Diabetes, and Alzheimer’s Association support groups. Additionally, you could find a support group specifically for caregivers.
We suggest you contact your Area Agency on Aging, local hospital community outreach/education department, your doctor’s office, and, of course, search the internet. Other ways are simple word of mouth and asking family, friends, and neighbors. You will be amazed at how many resources you did not know about!
Maryland Access Point (MAP)
MAP is the Aging and Disability Resource Program in Maryland, designed to assist individuals with long-term care needs and their caregivers in identifying and locating services in their community.
Ways to access Maryland Access Point (MAP):
- By phone: 1-844-MAP-LINK (1-844-627-5465)
- Online: marylandaccesspoint.211md.org
Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
The Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is a one-stop access point for information and services for older persons and adults with disabilities throughout the State. https://dhss.delaware.gov/dsaapd/adrc/
Ways to access Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC):
- By phone: 1-800-223-9074
- Email: mailto:[email protected]
PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/aging/local-resources/pa-link-to-aging-and-disability-resources
Ways to access PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources
- By phone: toll-free helpline 800-753-8827
- Email: [email protected]
How Can The Option Group’s Aging Life Care Managers Help You Today?
The Option Group’s Certified Aging Life Care Managers help families navigate the challenges of aging, dementia, disability, and serious illness. With over 100 years of combined experience, we connect you to the right resources, so you can focus on quality time with your loved ones and make informed care decisions.
Final Thought
It can be hard to let go of the control you have over caring for your loved ones. However, everyone’s health and well-being improve when you feel better. Take care of yourself. Ease your caregiving burden and bring a healthy balance back into your life.
If you or someone you care about needs additional support to help cope, The Option Group is here to help. Please contact our professional care management team for assistance.
About The Option Group: Founded in 2011, The Option Group’s compassionate team of experienced Certified Life Care Managers provides services for families, their loved ones, medical professionals, and professional family advisors in Maryland, DC, Southern Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The firm understands the challenges of caring for individuals who need assistance throughout their lifespan due to aging, dementia, disability, or serious illness. Our skilled providers, from diverse backgrounds and deep expertise, help families navigate the healthcare maze and access hundreds of resources. The Option Group helps families spend quality time with their loved ones, providing Clear Choices that lead to Better Care. For more information, visit www.theoptiongroup.net or call 410-667-0266 (MD), 717-287-9900, 610-885-8899, 215-896-6756 (PA), or 302-858-6449 (DE).