5 Tips to Prevent Caregiver Burnout
December 22, 2024 | Marcia Pruitt
Caregiver burnout is real. Just like workers lose energy at their jobs or parents lose energy around their kids or spouses, caregivers can easily feel burnt out constantly being “on” and focusing all their energy on someone else. To alleviate these feelings, it’s important to get a little you-time and draw energy from loved ones around you.
1.) Focus on Self-Care
As a caregiver, so much time is invested in another person that it can be hard to reserve time for yourself. But self-care is so important in careers like this for overall balance and happiness. Spending adequate alone time or time with loved ones to reset from the highly attuned aspects of caretaking, making sure that you get nutritious meals throughout the day, and getting adequate sleep are all essential to your well-being. Try taking some time to figure out what helps you feel cared for and then work on making time to participate in those activities.
Curious how you can raise your loved one’s energy levels? Read our other blog on raising senior energy levels here.
2.) Gather a Support Network
Having a great group of friends and supportive family members can help ease the stress of caregiving. It can be a wonderful reprieve to be around loved ones without needing the caregiving aspect of yourself present. Oftentimes, having these people in your life even results in them taking care of you. On top of that, it gives you someone to chat with when there are hard moments to talk through surrounding caretaking. Having a support network means that you get the support you need rather than offering your support to others all the time.
Need extra support for your loved ones? Read our other blog, Support Services for Seniors Aging in Place.
3.) Set and Stick to Boundaries
As a caregiver, it’s easy to be a yes person, but it can often result in you doing more than you’re comfortable with. Any relationship can easily turn into disrespect where people might take advantage of your generosity and work ethic if you don’t set and keep boundaries. While you may want to be available for caretaking 24/7, setting boundaries by keeping a schedule is essential. Learning to let go and share your obligations with others ensures you get a good break to ensure you’re in the right mindset when you return to your duties.
4.) Schedule Breaks as Needed
While you can’t run off in the middle of your caregiving duties, you can give yourself breaks by handing off the baton to others as needed and scheduling moments of reprieve throughout the day. Meditating works wonders to keep your mind in a great place or just take little moments to yourself. Making sure you’re taking time to eat and use the restroom is essential as well. These little mental and physical breaks help to reduce caregiver burnout and keep you in the mindset that it takes to be the best you can be every day.
5.) Consider Therapy
Caregiving is no easy task. Sometimes, you’re going to have off days. Maybe your loved one is especially feisty one day and is making everything harder than it needs to be. Perhaps you have a lot of stuff going on at home that’s removing you from being present while caretaking. Regardless of whether there’s turmoil at home or within your job duties, it’s important to seek a professional when you need it. Oftentimes, talking through your feelings can help ease any stress that’s occurring in your life or responsibilities as a caretaker. As a result, you’ll be able to be there for your loved ones and offer the support they need instead of experiencing caretaker burnout.
Getting too stressed to continue caretaking yourself? Check out these Medicare benefits to make your life easier. Or call an agent at Twin City Underwriters to discuss a subscription option that can help you afford to hire help!
Find a Medicare Plan for Your Loved Ones
If caring for your aging parents or relatives is no longer in the best interest of either party, home health care or long-term care may be an ideal solution. Even if you don’t have a long-term care insurance policy, there are some alternative options. Or call an agent at Twin City Underwriters to discuss a subscription option that can help you afford to hire help!
Related Article: How to Help a Senior Parent Transition into Assisted Living
Choosing a Medicare plan can be difficult. Twin City Underwriters helps Medicare recipients in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Florida find the Medicare plan that meets their unique needs. Attend an online Medicare webinar, in-person Medicare workshop, or schedule a one-on-one meeting with one of our Medicare insurance brokers to get your questions answered!
Do you need help with Medicare, insurance and health plans? Explore your options with Allina Health Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota, Medica, UCare, United HealthCare and more. We work with you to find the best plan for your needs and budget. Contact us today to get started.
