Burnout - Result of not having help

monitoring | Senior Acceptance | caregivers | Supporting caregivers | Conflict Resolution

Families can sustain elderly parent caregiving by assisting those on the front lines. The job of the caregiver can be challenging and exhausting. Burnout can be the result. Support, relief and understanding are constantly needed.

This is a demanding and intense experience for those who take on the care of an elderly parent. Every detail of the senior's life needs to be addressed. Dressing, bathing, using the bathroom, brushing teeth, eating, moving from room to room, and keeping the house in order. Burnout! Burnout! Burnout is on the horizon.



These items are just the basics. On top of this emotional needs of both the senior parent and the caregiving sibling come to the forefront. Uncertainty, discouragement, and hopelessness often accompany the major changes that take place.

Medical conditions can also compound the effort. Trying to bring pain or persistent medical conditions under control is stressful and challenging.

In addition, the caregiver usually has responsibilities of their own that are piling up. This could be a fulltime job and a family to care for. The new commitment of senior care may not have been volenteered for eagerly. Often times they assume the new duties because of close proximity or supposed "availability".

The job can quickly become overwhelming. Trying to balance their workload loads leads to stress and exhaustion. Major problems can develop if they don't take the time to care for themselves. Some of the signs that a problem exists can be:

• Anger with situation or with the one being cared for.
• Withdrawal from normal social situations.
• Reduced effectiveness in job or other duties.
• Sleep difficulties.
• Irritability
• Health problems

Other family members need to be vigilent in accessing caregiver needs and be ready to step in for support. It is necessary to sustain elderly parent caregiving by assisting those who are giving the care on the front lines.

Things that be done to help:

• Look for creative ways to help with the care.
• Search for outside services to take some of the load.
• Stay in communication with the caregiver.
• Help with the caregivers needs.
• Encourage them to be socially involved. Do something with them.
• Ask the caregiver to raise the red flag when they need help.
• Create memory triggers to help you remember to be vigilent.

The bottom line: Avoid burnout by paying attention to caregiver needs.

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monitoring | Senior Acceptance | caregivers | Supporting caregivers | Conflict Resolution

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