Tips for Avoiding Caregiver Burnout

Are you taking care of a parent, spouse, relative or other special needs individual? You’re not alone. An estimated 53 million people in the United States are unpaid caregivers. While the role can be rewarding, it can also be draining, as caregivers often must juggle their own personal concerns with the needs of their loved one. Are you looking for help? The Hancock Health Connection Center in Hancock County can help caregivers find helpful local resources so they’re not alone in this journey. 

How can you avoid caregiver burnout when you’re responsible for someone else? Start with these tips, and feel free to reach out to the Connection Center for more resources.

Remember the adage about the oxygen in the airplane: Put on your own oxygen mask first, and then you can help those around you. Try to have healthy food on hand to avoid a diet of fast food and sugary snacks. Stay moving, even if you’re just running up and down the stairs a few times during the day to get your blood flowing. 

Caregiving can have a steep learning curve, especially if your loved one has multiple medical or emotional concerns. Dig into the available information. If you’re scanning the internet for information, try to stick to trustworthy websites, like government agencies, academic institutions, medical organizations or healthcare providers. We’re big fans of Hancock Health’s Health Library. If you’re attending healthcare appointments with your loved one, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Caregiving can be a lonely job, especially when you feel like nobody quite understands what you’re going through. Sure, people can tell you what a great job you’re doing, but do they really appreciate those dark hours in the middle of the night, when you really want to be snuggled under the covers but are instead trying to negotiate with a loved one who thinks it’s a good time to bake banana bread? The Connection Center may be able to help you locate local in-person groups where you can share strategies and converse with people who have been in your shoes. Check out online resources as well, like the Alzheimer’s Association oder der AARP Family Caregiving website.

This can be a tough one, especially if you’re taking care of someone with dementia or illness that affects mental capacity. Remember, they may be acting like a toddler, but the strategies you used on your own toddlers may not work this time around. Blame the disease, not the person with the disease.

Try to establish a network of trusted family, friends or neighbors who can step in when necessary. Be honest with yourself when you have reached your limit. Oftentimes, people want to give you a hand, but they’re not sure how. Even if you don’t feel comfortable asking someone to physically care for your loved one, you can still take them up on the offer to bring a meal or handle some household chores while you focus on caregiving.

Der Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects the privacy and security of a patient’s protected health information. That’s a good thing, of course, but it can sometimes make it tricky for caregivers to get information about a loved one’s care. Make sure your loved one has filled out the necessary paperwork that designates you as someone who can talk to doctors and other caregivers. An elder law attorney can help you create other important documents like a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare or a Healthcare Proxy.

This is a tough one, especially for people who swore that they would never accept outside care for their loved ones. It’s OK to say that you’re in over your head. Caregiving can require heavy lifting, both literally and figuratively, that you are not in a place to provide. Sometimes a loved one is better off being in a safe place with trained caregivers, even if it means they can’t stay at home with a family member. If you’re nearing this point, reach out for recommendations. If you’re in Hancock County, CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions can help you determine if your loved one qualifies for any local resources. An elder law attorney or financial advisor may be able to advise you on how to pay for care, whether you are liquidating your loved one’s assets or applying for government assistance.

Caregiving is hard. If you’re struggling with caregiver burnout, let the Hancock Health Connection Center help you locate the appropriate supportive services. Call us at 317-468-4231 or stop by the office at 120 W. McKenzie Road, Suite G, in Greenfield during regular business hours.