What to watch out for: Signs of burnout in an older caregiver
Caregiving is extremely stressful and exhausting. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, depression among caregivers is twice that of the general population, and burnout rates are also high. As the caregiver's caregiver, you should watch out for these red flags so you can help the healthy person avoid burnout:
*Symptoms of depression. Depression symptoms can include sleep problems (sleeping too much or too little), loss of appetite or overeating, lack of interest in usual activities, unexplained physical problems, and irritability.
*Health problems. If she starts to have health complaints, it could be a symptom of exhaustion, depression -- or both.
*Resentment. As the primary caregiver, it's normal for her to feel occasional frustration toward the patient, but excessive or irrational resentment could be a sign of burnout. For example, if he has Alzheimer's and she seems to constantly nag and criticize him for forgetfulness or clumsiness, that could be a sign that she's overwhelmed and exhausted.
What you can do:
- Take signs of burnout seriously.
- Make sure the healthy person gets enough breaks and support.
- Arrange for regular respite care.
- Help her find a caregiver support group.
- If the patient is her husband, suggest that she consider joining Well Spouse, an organization that provides information and resources for the spouses of those with serious health conditions.
- If the caregiver is overwhelmed or exhausted, brainstorm with her about whether it's time to hire a regular in-home caregiver or make other living arrangements. Your local agency on aging or a geriatric care manager can help you sort through available resources and options.
