Caregiver Burnout: Is It Time To Stop Being The Caregiver?

Very few people sign up to become caregivers of their aged parents or loved ones.

The role of caregiver is usually thrust upon someone because of an emergency situation, or it just happens so gradually that a person becomes a caregiver and probably didn't realize it.

Caring for another person's health and well being can become a very stressful situation –and stress is something to be taken seriously. Seventy to ninety percent of all medical complaints are either caused or exacerbated by stress, including high blood pressure, tension and migraine headaches, asthma, nervous stomach, bowel problems, and chronic lower back pains. Stress can also play a role in a person's susceptibility to heart disease, stroke, and cancer. It can also negatively effect a person's work performance and lead to drug and alcohol abuse.

Caregivers that are enduring tremendous stress may have caregiver burnout. Caregivers with burnout feel physically, emotionally, financially, psychologically, and socially exhausted. How does one know if he or she has reached the point of burnout?

Is he or she:

• snapping constantly at his or her loved one - even over little things

• feeling irritated

• laughing less often

• constantly tired or pressured

• losing sleep, failing to fall asleep for hours or sleeping restlessly all night long

• frequently yelling, screaming, or having crying fits or rages

• withholding affection or feelings of goodwill from his or her loved one

• withholding food, baths, dressing changes, etc.

• blaming your loved one for putting you in this situation

• refusing to go out anymore, even for a walk because “he/she needs me”

• withholding expenditures for goods or services his or her loved one needs because he/she is going to die soon and “the money would be wasted”

Burnout creates an unhealthy situation for the caregiver and the loved one involved. Caregivers need to take care of themselves and take their loved ones out of harm's way. Treatment for burnt out caregivers includes seeking professional help for their own health, utilizing stress reduction methods, finding respite help, and/or making a complete change in the caregiving arrangements.

No one can remain a full-time caregiver forever; the job is much too strenuous and stressful. Caregivers need to be honest with themselves, let go of the guilt, and stop when they have reached their limits. Research caregiving alternatives, request help from qualified professionals, and rest easy—that's how a burnt out caregiver knows he or she has done the right thing.