As a caregiver, you may often hear warnings about burnout. Caregiver burnout sometimes builds up so slowly that you might not notice it is happening. Although there are many symptoms associated with caregiver burnout, feeling as though you lack energy or no longer enjoy those special moments are sure signs it is time to take a break. When caregiver burnout symptoms strike, use these strategies to take action and recuperate so you can continue to care for your senior family member.



Lean on Your Friends and Family

Every caregiver should have at least three people to lean on for support during challenging times. Make a list of your best friends and family members, then give them a call and let them know what you are going through. It is likely they had no idea you were experiencing burnout, or they wanted to help but were not sure how.

Family caregivers sometimes need a break from their caregiving responsibilities. When they need respite care, Colorado Springs families can rely on professional caregivers to help their senior loved ones remain safe at home.



Take Care of Your Physical Health

Spend a few minutes thinking about your physical health. Check to see if you are in any pain, assess your current exercise and diet plan to see if you have somehow gotten off track, and visit your doctor for a full physical. Sometimes, a nutritional deficiency, lack of exercise, or a health condition contribute to feelings of burnout.



Talk to a Counselor

Caregivers experience many challenging emotions, and caring for an aging family member can sometimes lead to emotional health issues such as depression and anxiety. It is important to seek professional guidance for overcoming guilt and resentment.



Arrange for Respite Care

Visiting a doctor, talking to a counselor, and getting more exercise all take time. For this reason, it is important to seek professional home care services to give you respite. With respite care, a professional caregiver visits your loved one while you take care of other essential tasks such as getting your yearly physical exam. The caregiver can also do things such as relieve you from your care duties for an hour or two while you go grocery shopping or get the laundry done. Even these small breaks provide a chance to relax and recover from burnout.



If your senior loved one needs professional in-home care in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Home Care Assistance is here to help. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.



Learn New Strategies for Care

As your loved one advances in age, you may need to change your current care plan to include new strategies. For instance, your loved one may not feel comfortable receiving your help with bathing and other hygiene tasks. Arranging for a professional caregiver to handle these types of care can help both you and your loved one eliminate these stressful parts of your daily routine so you can enjoy spending time together more.

Family caregivers at risk for burnout cannot effectively help their senior loved ones managing the various challenges of aging. Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Colorado Springs, CO, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. For more information and to schedule a complimentary consultation, please call one of our knowledgeable Care Managers at (719) 822-1229 today.

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