Alzheimer’s Caregiver Burnout: How To Prevent It

Written by Larea Mcqueen

Hi, I'm Larea McQueen, a Registered Nurse and Certified Dementia Specialist with 30 years of experience helping families living with Alzheimer's and other dementias. I combine professional expertise with personal experience as both of my parents have dementia. My mission is to help caregivers feel more prepared, confident, and supported throughout their journey.

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Last updated October 12, 2024

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!