At The Stayton at Museum Way, we feel strongly about helping older adults find peace of mind while aging successfully. Successful aging doesn’t happen in a silo. It involves a caring and engaged support network of friends, neighbors and loved ones.
While many caregivers report their responsibilities give them a sense of purpose, caregiving is not without its trials and taxing moments. Caregiver burnout can happen all too easily, even if you are caring for someone you love unconditionally. We want to take a moment to highlight the impacts of caregiving, signs of caregiver burnout and how you can lessen the stress of caregiving.
What is caregiver burnout?
In the United States, there are an estimated 41.8 million individuals providing unpaid caregiving to adults over the age of 50. And that caregiving can take a toll. Data from AARP and The National Alliance for Caregiving found that unpaid caregivers report physical, emotional and financial strain, with 23 percent of caregivers finding it difficult to take care of their own health.
The Cleveland Clinic describes caregiver burnout as “a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion.” Many of us understand that it can be difficult to pour from an empty cup, and that philosophy extends to caregiving. Research backs that up, identifying that when a caregiver experiences burnout, both they and the one in their care suffer negative consequences.
Are you experiencing caregiver burnout?
As the number of people 65 and older is expected to double by 2050, so too, will the number of unpaid caregivers increase. It’s important to recognize the signs and causes of caregiver burnout to help alleviate that burden and provide caregivers the resources they need to best care for themselves and others. Below, five questions to ask yourself honestly to get a pulse on your current caregiving arrangement.
- Do you prioritize the health of others before your own?
- Do you say no to activities or time with friends you used to enjoy?
- Do you feel anxious about making ends meet?
- Do you feel resentful of your loved one or towards those in your life who are not caregiving?
- Do you worry about leaving your loved one alone?
If you answered “yes” to one or more questions above, you may be experiencing caregiver burnout. It’s important to remember you are not alone and there are options available to you to help lighten your load.
Options to Lessen Caregiver Burnout
Caregiving is a tough job. Asking for help, seeking out opportunities to connect with others in similar situations, and finding ways to prioritize yourself can offer you a much-needed reprieve and remind you that you are not alone. Whether you turn to friends and family members to assist with caregiving duties or look to professionals to share some of those responsibilities, there is likely a solution that will help meet your needs and those of your loved one.
- Call on family, friends and neighbors for assistance.
- Attend a local support group for caregivers.
- Look into services & programming offered at adult day centers.
- Hire at-home caregiving provider/s.
- Use residential respite care services.
Respite Care in Fort Worth, Texas
For unpaid caregivers and their loved ones, residential respite care at The Stayton services and amenities as our full-time residents. Some respite care guests enjoy their time here so much they decide to move in long-term!
If you are struggling with caregiver burnout or would like to learn more about respite care services at The Stayton, please reach out to our team using the form below or by calling 817-349-7140. We are here to help!
