Strategies to Help Prevent Caregiver Burnout

Taking care of a loved one has many rewards. However, a shift in roles can not only put pressure on your relationship but can also affect your well-being. Common signs of caregiver burnout include overwhelming fatigue, changes in appetite, and sleep problems. Coping with stress is essential for both family and professional caregivers to continue providing quality care.

As a dementia care provider, we will share strategies to help prevent caregiver burnout:

• Embrace your role.
  Despite any burden, you may feel, acknowledge that you have made a conscious decision to provide care. Focus on the positive reasons behind this choice and why you have decided to help look after your loved one. This provides meaningful motivations that can help sustain you during difficult periods.
• Focus on factors you can control.
  Some factors are simply out of your control. Instead of stressing out over factors that you can’t control, focus your energy on how you react to these problems. When you start to feel discouraged, celebrate the small victories.
• Stay socially connected.
  Positive reinforcement does not necessarily have to come from the person you care about. When you feel overwhelmed or underappreciated, turn to loved ones who will listen to you and acknowledge your efforts.
• Seek additional help.
  In-home care providers can provide temporary relief through respite care services. This enables family caregivers to take a break from their caregiving responsibilities while verifying their loved one’s needs are met.

Here at Jones Health Care Services, we specialize in providing quality senior care in Silver Spring, Maryland, that you can rely on. To provide relief for family caregivers, we offer respite services. Feel free to contact us at your earliest convenience to learn more about our services.