Caregiving can be rewarding and joyful, but it can also be exhausting and overwhelming. Caregivers may not see the inner turmoil that causes them to snap at loved ones or ignore their needs.
However, as a live-in caregiver, you will experience various signs of carer burnout. If you have been feeling this way for some time now, your situation may be exacerbated even more now that your loved one is sicker.
The good news is that there are things you can do to prevent caregiving from taking its toll on you. The key lies in identifying the different types of caregiver burnout so that you can take measures to prevent it from getting worse or destroying your relationship with the person who needs care.
Here are eight types of caregiver burnout as well as tips on how to prevent it from happening to you:
Caregiver Emotional Burnout
Caregivers often experience emotional burnout because of the helplessness and frustration they feel when their loved one is sick or has a chronic condition that makes it difficult for them to function at a high level.
If you have also been feeling emotionally burnt out as a live-in caregiver, you may not be able to recognize it because of your own feelings. The best way to prevent it is to recognize the feelings that come with caring for an ill or disabled loved one.
Once you are aware of them, you can take measures to address them. When you feel helpless and frustrated, take a step back and examine your situation carefully. You may find that there is something you can do to prevent it from getting worse or, if it has already gotten bad, you can address it before it gets out of hand.
Caregiver Cognitive Burnout
Live-in care is challenging and caregivers experience cognitive burnout when they feel overwhelmed and overwhelmed by the pace of caregiving.
They may also feel like they are losing their mind because of the constant stress of taking care of someone who needs them. Cognitive burnout can cause caregivers to snap at loved ones, neglect their own needs, or withdraw from their friends and family.
The best way to prevent it is to be aware of how you are feeling when you are experiencing cognitive burnout. Examine your thoughts and feelings carefully to determine if they are normal or if they are signs of carer burnout.
Caregiver Physical Burnout
Caregivers can also experience physical burnout. It can be caused by chronic pain, injury, or illness that makes it difficult to complete day-to-day activities. For example, you may find that you are not able to go to work, complete daily chores, or engage with your friends and family as much because of your physical limitations as because of the limitations of your loved one.
The key to preventing physical burnout is to identify what physical activities you can do to stay physically active and healthy so that you do not lose motivation or get bored with your daily routine. If you are feeling physically burnt out, find ways to address it so that you do not let it take over your life.
Caregiver Depression
Some caregivers experience depression, which can be a sign of carer burnout. While some caregiving is bound to leave a mark on caregivers, some may have a more difficult time coping with the situation than others.
In order to prevent depression from happening to you, you must be aware of it when it happens to you. You must be able to identify what is going on in your life that is causing it so that you can take measures to address it.
Caregiver Anxiety
Some caregivers experience anxiety when they are responsible for someone’s safety, well-being, and home environment. If you are experiencing anxiety as a result of caring for an ill or disabled loved one, it is important to address it.
Anxiety can prevent you from doing the things you need to do, such as getting your loved one to medical appointments or providing the care that is required.
The key to preventing carer anxiety from getting out of hand is to have a care plan and be committed to following it. You can also talk to your doctor or nurse about any anxieties you are experiencing so that you can discuss ways to address them.
Carer Confusion
Carers often experience confusion when they are trying to figure out what is expected of them. If you are experiencing carer confusion, it is important to address it.
Confusion can impede your ability to care for your loved one and can make you feel overwhelmed and inadequate.
The best way to address carer confusion is to talk to your loved one and their doctor. Ask them what they need from you and be open to their guidance.
Carer Anger and Resentment
Caregivers may also feel anger and resentment towards their loved one. The best way to prevent this is to talk things over with your loved one and their doctor. This way, you can work towards finding a constructive way to address it.
Anger and resentment can prevent you from doing the things you need to do, such as getting your loved one to medical appointments or providing the care that is required.
Caregiver Strain
Finally, carers can experience strain from caring for someone who is sick or disabled. This type of carer burnout can be prevented by taking time off from caregiving whenever you need it so that you do not feel guilty about it.
Strain can also be alleviated by engaging in self-care activities that help you stay healthy and balanced.
The key to preventing carer strain from happening is to accept that caring for a sick or disabled loved one is always going to be a challenge, but you can make it as smooth as possible. You can also take care of yourself so that you are able to be a good carer.
