If you are in the 45-65 age range, you may be one of the millions of people who are working, possibly have children at home, and are the primary caregiver for an aging or elderly parent. An amazing 50% of caregivers also work outside the home, and 25% care for both their parents and their children. Sometimes referred to as the “sandwich” generation, these individuals have constant demands on their time. As a caregiver, there is less time and energy to devote to your own needs, not to mention the emotional stress involved. It is not surprising that over the long term they reach the burnout point.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of burnout is the first step toward managing the stress and time and energy demands. If you recognize yourself or another caregiver as experiencing the symptoms, it is time to take control:
- Denial – I know they’ll get better.
- Anger – If he says that one more time I’ll scream!
- Social Withdrawal – “I don’t have time to see my friends right now.”
- Anxiety – “I just can’t give as much care as she seems to need.”
- Depression – “I just don’t care any more.”
- Exhaustion – “I’m just too tired to handle this.”
- Sleeplessness – The “what if this, what if that” questions plague you.
- Irritability – “Leave me alone!”
- Lack of Concentration – “I was so busy I forgot an appointment.”
- Health Problems – “I just don’t feel good
TAKE CONTROL :
Seek help. Ask your immediate family, siblings, friends or neighbors to do the laundry, clean the house or prepare a meal. Talk to a friend or neighbor about running errands. Eat healthy and try to maintain a sense of humor. Set aside a few minutes every day just for you, and let your family know why it is important. Whether you take a walk, a relaxing bubble bath, or work on a project, doesn’t matter, as long as it is just for yourself.
Finally, it is important to recognize when you need professional help. Perhaps all you need is someone to be a companion for your loved one a couple days a week to free up some time for your needs. Perhaps you are close to a decision about choosing an assisted living or nursing home facility. Alternatively, you may need professional home medical care every day, or just a few times a week. Explore all of these options to find what is right for your loved one’s needs. Remember, if you “burnout”, everyone suffers.
Don’t let yourself fall victim to this condition and let your loved one suffer. If you live in Sarasota, Venice, Longboat Key, Bradenton or any of the surroundings areas please contact us to see how we can help you.
Tags: bradenton, caregiver, longboat key, sarasota, venice
