In this episode of All Home Care Matters, we are going to discuss coping with caregiver burnout. If you have been caring for a loved one then you know that caring for a loved one is a full-time job. Whether you’re caring for a parent, spouse, child, or a loved one who is close to you that responsibility never leaves you and the job is never over. When you’re caring for a loved one it is a commitment unlike any other and you need to make sure that you’re also caring for yourself and your health.
If you’re caring for a loved one you’re not alone – There 65 million Americans (two-thirds are women) who are caring for a family member right now who are either disabled or in failing health. If you’re one of the 65 million caregivers you are probably aware that there are many wonderful moments and experiences helping to care for your loved one, but you are also probably aware that it has moments that make it one of the most challenging experiences you have ever faced and it’s also a job that nothing you’ve done prior could have helped to prepare you for the physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can accompany it. In fact, according to a recent study, 20% of caregivers report that their own health has suffered as a result of caring for their loved one.
If this role of being a caregiver for your loved one is new to you or you’ve been caring for them for a while and you are feeling the stress of this we want to provide you with some helpful tips and suggestions, because if something happens to you who will be there for them?