Alzheimer’s Caregiver Burnout: What is it?
Alzheimers caregiver burnout can happen to anyone who is a primary caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease. When a caregiver becomes physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted the result is caregiver burnout.
Many caregivers, especially spouses, try to do everything themselves for their loved ones. At the beginning that may work, but as the disease progresses the caregiver needs help. As the stress of being a full-time caregiver grows, you begin to lose interest and motivation.
Alzheimer’s Caregiver Burnout can make you Physically Sick
Often the caregiver becomes sleep-deprived because the person with Alzheimer’s Disease is not sleeping and they are afraid to go to sleep. They worry all of the time. The caregiver is afraid to leave them alone or with someone else. Many times they just don’t want to bother anyone else. A spouse may feel it is their responsibility and the burden is theirs alone.
Caregiver burnout is a very serious issue. The symptoms of caregiver burnout are similar to those of stress and depression. Caregiver burnout is the number one reason why people with Alzheimer’s Disease are placed in nursing homes. Learn how to recognize it and prevent it from happening in your family.
What Are The Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout?
Loss of interest in activities
Withdrawing from friends & family
Neglecting your own needs
Neglecting the person you are caring for
Increased frustration towards the person you are caring for
Change in appetite
Change in sleep patterns
Feeling hopeless
Irritability
Anxiety
Depression
Excessive use of alcohol
Losing control physically or emotionally
Feeling care-giving has taken over your life
People with caregiver burnout also get sick more often.
If you suspect you or someone you know has caregiver burnout, you need to take action!
Ask for help!
No one can do it alone!
How Do You Prevent Caregiver Burnout?
Take time out for yourself
Ask friends and family for help
Have someone you trust come sit with your loved one for a few hours every week and get out of the house for awhile
Keep in contact with friends
Continue to do activities you enjoy
Don’t keep your feelings bundled up inside
Have someone you can talk to
Find a support group- it helps to talk to someone who has been an Alzheimer’s caregiver
Listen to happy music
Find some time each day for yourself, get up a half an hour early
Start a journal, many people have found this to very helpful
What if you already have Caregiver Burnout?
Learning about Alzheimers Caregiver burnout and recognizing the symptoms is the first step. You need some help in the home and time away from your caregiver role. If you have family, let them know how heavy the load is you are carrying. If they aren’t able to help or you don’t have any family there are other options available. Finding those resources to help you is next. Most state, counties, and towns have resources for caregivers in the home.
Reach out to your local health department or senior office. Either of these offices should be able to point you in the right direction. If you are a member of a church, talk to your pastor. Some churches have parish nurses or women in the congregation who would be happy to help out. There is help out there, you just need to find it!
Feel free to explore our Article Library for more information and resource
Exploring Caregiving Tools & Resources? Don't Forget to Check Out My Resource Page! 🌟