5 Tips To Recover From Caregiver Burnout

Caregiver burnout is a chronic state of fatigue, stress, and exhaustion that many family caregivers face. It’s common for caregivers to push their limits for the sake of their loved ones, even if they feel tired, sick, or overwhelmed.
While it’s important to take care of your loved one’s needs, you can’t forget your own. If you continue to operate in your burnt-out state, it’s not good for your health, your loved one, and your other family and friends.

The below tips can help you feel better if you’re currently facing caregiver burnout. These strategies can help both your physical and mental health so you can be your best for your loved one and yourself.

Many people choose to seek the help of a therapist or support group to manage their caregiver stress. These groups provide a safe, sympathetic, and constructive environment where caregivers can discuss their experiences honestly.

You may be able to find local support groups for caregivers, or there are plenty of online options. Some caregivers find it difficult to get out of the house for support groups in their limited free time, so online groups may be preferred.

The below resources can help you find online or in-person caregiver support groups:

• The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) offers a comprehensive online directory of caregiver support groups across the United States. On the website, navigate to the “Resources” section to access the directory.
• The ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center provides a Respite Locator search tool to locate respite services and support groups in your area.
• Online platforms such as Facebook and Meetup often have dedicated groups for caregivers. Search for “caregiver support” or related keywords to find groups that suit your specific needs.
• Your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) can provide information on caregiver support services in your community. Find your local AAA by visiting the Eldercare Locator website or by calling 1-800-677-1116.
• The Alzheimer’s Association has an online community and other virtual resources for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s.
• Some employers offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) that provide resources and support for caregivers. Check with your human resources department to see if your company offers such programs.

While asking for help can be difficult, your good friends and family likely want you to be happy. If they can step in, not only will you have time to relax, but those filling in will also better understand you and your loved one’s situation. To avoid complications later, make sure your potential helpers know what will be required of them and can definitively commit to the days and times you need them. Make sure to express your gratitude to them, too, or even compensate them with casual gestures like gift cards, their favorite coffee, or a nice meal.

While you may be reluctant to get your workplace involved, you may be eligible for caregiving-related aid that can help you deal with burnout. This could include leave time, flex time, a free needs assessment, and more.

Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), eligible employees of covered employers have the right to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons. This includes up to 12 work weeks of leave in a 12-month period for the care of a spouse, child, or parent who has a serious health condition. The FMLA also requires that the employee’s group health benefits be maintained during the leave. You can learn more about your eligibility and rights under the FMLA on the U.S. Department of Labor’s website.

Caregivers spend an inordinate amount of time with loved ones’ doctors but seldom see their own. Make appointments for your regular exams, flu shots, dental visits, and anything else you need at the same time you arrange your loved one’s.

Caregivers need at least one safe place to vent. Maybe this is a friend who agrees to listen without judging, a diary, a family member, or a counselor. Peer support from others in similar situations could provide an ideal outlet. Look for online forums devoted to creating safe places for online caregivers to vent, ask questions, and relate to each other.