Recognizing Signs of Caregiver Burnout

Often, spouses will find themselves in a caregiver role for a husband or wife who has become ill or incapacitated. Or adult children may assume responsibility for aging parents who are facing increasing health challenges.

In any situation, a phenomenon known as “compassion fatigue” can set in and cause the caregiver to suffer burnout. If you’re taking care of a loved one who is aging or ill, it’s important to know that the emotional and physical demands you’re experiencing are real.

Elder Care Isn’t Easy

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, caregiver burnout may occur because of a number of factors, including:

• The sheer amount of physical and emotional care required. There is just no way to make the patient “well,” no matter what you do, and the workload is high.

• Conflicting demands. Everyone in the family has needs: the care receiver, spouses, children, employers and co-workers, and the caregivers themselves. Trying to meet the needs of everyone at the same time creates conflict and stress.

• Lack of privacy. There is no time to be alone to recharge or have quiet time.

Signs of Caregiver Burnout

Caregivers may be so focused on their loved one that their own health and well-being suffer. Watch for these signs of caregiver stress:

• Feeling tired, overwhelmed or constantly worried

• Getting too much or not enough sleep

• Gaining or losing weight

• Becoming easily irritated, angry or sad

• Losing interest in favorite activities

• Having frequent headaches, body aches or other physical symptoms

• Abusing alcohol or other substances

In-home Senior Care Can Help

Finding in-home elder care services can be a lifesaver for caregivers experiencing burnout.Having a trained, compassionate and professional caregiver available can free up time for family members to take care of themselves and other responsibilities.

If you’re looking for personal care at home for a loved one in the Atlanta area, please contact Kadan Homecare for a personalized consultation. For more information or to talk with our team,call 770-396-8997 or email info@kadan.org.

Dina Kadan White2023-01-20T16:21:01+00:00January 19th, 2023|

About the Author: Dina Kadan White

As Vice President of Kadan Homecare, White oversees the day-to-to day operations and assists with strategic planning for company. White has worked with Kadan full-time for the past 11 years, although she has been engaged with the family-run firm at some level for most of her adult life. Prior to joining Kadan, White served as Director of Product Development at Equifax and previously was a Marketing Director with Wachovia. These jobs prepared her well for a position where she works for the benefit of all aspects of this highly client-focused agency. White holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is a member of the National Private Duty Association, a membership organization for firms whose homecare model is to employ, train, monitor and supervise caregivers, create a plan of care for the client and work toward a safe and secure environment for the person at home. White is also a member of the National Association for Home Care and Hospice.