Serving as a caregiver for an aging family member is highly rewarding, but it also takes a lot of energy, time and patience. Constantly juggling a hectic schedule with seemingly endless priorities can be very stressful at times. As a result, it’s not uncommon for family caregivers to get overwhelmed, placing them at risk for caregiver burnout. Staying physically and emotionally strong as an informal (unpaid) caregiver starts with finding healthy ways to unwind and decompress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed as a family caregiver, here are several ways to take care of yourself.

3 Stages of Caregiver Burnout

The ALS Association has identified 3 stages of caregiver burnout:

Frustration – The caregiver feels frustrated and disappointed because of their care recipient’s lack of progress. He or she can’t accept the fact that the quality of care and effort they are providing isn’t improving their loved one’s health or mood.

Isolation – The caregiver increases their efforts based on unrealistic expectations. The caregiver may start to feel like they are being second-guessed or underappreciated by others, leading to unhealthy emotions like loneliness, resentment and depression. However, the caregiver is unable, unwilling or hesitant to seek help from others.

Despair – At this point the caregiver feels helpless and completely overwhelmed. He or she has trouble concentrating as the quality of care they are providing diminishes. They even stop taking care of themselves, lose interest in activities once enjoyed, become socially isolated, and feel emotionally and physically exhausted most all the time.

Enjoying a Healthier Caregiving/Life Balance

To ensure a higher quality of life for you and your senior, here are several reliable ways to enjoy a healthier caregiving/life balance:

Exercise

Regular exercise is not only a great stress-reducer, it promotes a stronger immune system, better night’s sleep, facilitates healing and boosts self-esteem. Whether it’s taking a long walk, riding a bicycle or practicing Yoga, be sure to exercise 3 to 5 times per week.

Contact a friend

Committing so much time and effort to caregiving can prevent you from staying in touch with close friends and maintaining key relationships. Set aside time each day to reach out to others with a phone call, text message or email. Doing so will not only lift-up your spirits, it will strengthen your support system and keep your loved ones informed.

Pamper Yourself

Family caregivers spend so much time nurturing others that they forget about themselves. Treat yourself every month by going to a movie, buying new shoes or getting a massage. Join a club with others who have similar interests. Not only will it make you feel better, it will give you something to look forward to the next time you’re having a rough day.

Start a gratitude journal

Focus on the positives by starting a gratitude journal and then record every day something that you are thankful for- like getting mom to eat all the veggies on her plate. You can also use a social media platform like Pinterest to post and read inspirational messages.

Join a support group

Joining a local caregiver support group will allow you to express your feelings and acquire knowledge from others who are in the same situation that you are. You can even find online caregiver support groups through the Family Caregiver Alliance.

Take time off

Sometimes it’s best to simply take a break and recharge for a while. Possible sources of caregiver relief might include your siblings, community volunteers, meal delivery services, adult daycare center or a licensed home care agency.

Compassionate In-Home Respite Care for Alabama Seniors

Caring for an aging in place relative is rewarding, but it can also be stressful and exhausting. When you’re feeling overwhelmed as a family caregiver and need to take a break, contact Seniors Prefer Homecare. As a fully licensed and insured home care agency, our compassionate and well-trained respite caregivers will be happy to step in while serving as an extended family in your loved one’s home so they can keep living safely and comfortably right where they want to be.

Our full menu of in-home respite care services ranges from personal care to live-in or 24-hour care. We also have full-time RNs and a licensed social worker on staff who can answer your questions and alleviate your concerns. To learn more about our “cream of the crop” home care resources now, or to schedule a FREE in-home consultation with a case manager for a senior in Huntsville, Tuscaloosa or AL, today, please visit Seniors Prefer Homecare at: www.seniorspreferehomecare.com!