Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout

I decided to branch out a little from my usual personal story telling and provide some important information. I am attending a monthly support group for caregivers. Even though I don't currently assist with my dad's day to day personal care.....thankfully he doesn't presently need that.....I help him daily with something. I help with everything from paying his bills to looking up phone numbers to reminding him to take his medication and to stay hydrated. So I have found it to be extremely eye opening to attend these classes.

While I have learned a lot from the instructor, I have also learned from the other attendees. And just hearing the stories of other caregivers has helped me to appreciate my own situation and family. So many people across the country are struggling with helping their aging parents. I guess one thing that has surprised me the most is how often the children squabble among themselves about how to help their parents and who will do it best.

One handout I recently received was Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout . This list is courtesy of the Area Agency on Aging 2005 Family Caregiver Education. It includes:
1. Disrupted sleep patterns.
2. Altered eating patterns.
3. Increased sugar consumption or use of alcohol or drugs.
4. Increased smoking or strong desire to start again.
5. Frequent headaches or sudden onset of back pain.
6. Increased reliance on over-the-counter pain remedies or prescribed drugs.
7. Irritability.
8. High levels of fear or anxiety.
9. Impatience.
10. The inability to handle one or more problems or crises.
11. Overreacting to commonplace accidents.
12. Overreacting to criticism.
13. Overreacting with anger toward a spouse, child or older care recipient.
14. Alienation.
15. Feeling emotional withdrawal.
16. Feeling trapped.
17. Thinking of disappearing or running away.
18. Not being able to laugh or feel joy.
19. Withdrawing from activities and the lives of others.
20. Feeling hopeless most of the time.
21. Loss of compassion.
22. Resenting the care recipient and/or the situation.
23. Neglecting or mistreating the care recipient.
24. Frequently feeling totally alone even though friends and family are present.
25. Wishing simply to "have the whole thing over with."
26. Playing the "if only" games; saying over and over "If only this would happen: or "If only this hadn't happened."

Wow...26...that's a lot. I think I have felt 1 or more of those even before I was a caregiver. But we do experience so many feelings and emotions when we are providing care for a loved one, even if it is from afar. We must take care of ourselves first in order to be able to care for others. Please look out for yourself. If you need a break or want to get away, then please call us. Let us provide some much needed respite care. Call us at 214-389-9401 and be sure to visit our website at www.hereforyouhomecare.com for more information and tips.

I'll be back soon with more personal news. Until next time,
Jan