5 Reasons for Caregiver Burnout

Caregivers may experience burnout throughout their time caring for an elderly family member. Caregiver burnout is mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion that may also come with a change in attitude. Burnout often occurs when caregivers overwork themselves or don’t receive proper help when caring for a senior loved one. Here are 5 of the top causes of caregiver burnout.

1. Lack of Control

Family caregivers in Sydney East may feel a lack of control for many reasons. Money, abilities, items, and planning can all factor into this feeling, and caregivers might become frustrated if they feel they lack any of these while caring for their elderly loved ones.

2. Unreasonable Demands

Caregivers should avoid placing too many responsibilities on themselves because they can become overwhelmed. They should also talk with their elderly loved ones if they feel they are demanding too much from them and determine if the time has come to hire professional Sydney East home care. Unreasonable demands can cause stress and resentment if not handled properly.

3. Unrealistic Expectations

Sometimes caregivers think they should be able to do more than they are capable of doing for their loved ones. One way to prevent this issue is to be practical but realistic about personal abilities and capabilities. This approach may spare caregivers from emotional stress.

4. Guilt

Many caregivers feel guilty if their elderly loved ones are ill and experiencing pain. They may also feel as if they aren’t doing enough for them. Many feelings of guilt are imaginary. It’s normal human behavior to lose your temper sometimes or feel irritated.

5. Shifting Roles

As elderly people age, it may seem as if the roles are reversing, with the caregivers feeling more like the parents and imagining the seniors being more like the children. Relationships can change as a result. Caregivers may find themselves making decisions their loved ones used to make for themselves.

If you are the primary caregiver for an elderly loved one and are finding your caregiving duties difficult to manage, don’t put yourself at risk for burnout. Instead, turn to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Sydney East respite care. Our dedicated caregivers are available 24/7 to assist your loved one with a wide variety of everyday tasks like exercise, meal preparation, laundry, and bathing. For more information on our elder care services, please call (02) 9158 3880 to speak with one of our experienced Care Managers.