Caregiver burnout is the special term given to family caregivers who suffer from chronic stress. Taking care of an aging relative is a wonderful service, but it comes with varying levels of frustration, fear, and worry. When the body is exposed to prolonged bouts of stress, it can have a negative effect on a person. It is especially serious if the family caregiver already has certain pre-existing health issues that can be exacerbated by the additional stress.
When family caregivers take the time to learn more about chronic stress and caregiver burnout, they will soon see how detrimental it is to their health. That might be the incentive they need to get some help from other family members, friends, and elderly care providers.
Causes and Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout
The cause of caregiver burnout is due to chronic stress generated by circumstances surrounding the care of an elderly adult. Helping an aging relative live in their own home as their physical and cognitive abilities decline takes a toll on the body. It also means the family caregiver is dealing with a lot of emotions, both their own and those of their aging loved one. When they don’t have enough training, resources or assistance to properly care for the aging adult, they have no respite from the pressure.
Symptoms of caregiver burnout include insomnia, headaches, digestive issues, mood swings, and poor focus. Other symptoms include weight gain or weight loss, chest pain, high blood pressure, hives, and a weakened immune system. In many cases, family caregivers are more likely to develop depression and anxiety because of chronic stress. If a family caregiver notices any of these physical or mental symptoms, they should certainly get some professional help.
Elderly Care Providers Help Relieve Chronic Stress
A lot of people are reluctant to get help with caregiving, but if they don’t they may suffer from caregiver burnout. For help that is reliable, experienced and dependable, family caregivers can turn to elderly care providers. These professionals are experienced and highly qualified to step in and help aging adults with just about any task they need. Whether they provide housekeeping or companionship or everything in between, elderly care providers bring proficiency and compassion to every task.
When that happens, family caregivers will stop struggling under the burdens of doing it all on their own and rely on the respite care that the elderly care provider can bring. Family caregivers can then take time for themselves to exercise, eat right, socialize with friends and recreate. These restorative tasks help them avoid the chronic stress that leads to caregiver burnout. Quality care for an elderly relative is a tremendous service that family members give, but that should never be at the expense of the family caregiver’s own health.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Broadview, MT, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare today at 406-839-2390.
