Caregiver Burnout: What to Do When it Becomes Too Much


Being a caregiver for your senior loved one isn’t an easy job, and in most cases it isn’t your only job. If you balance work, kids and being a caregiver for your loved one, it’s really a matter of when you’ll become burnt out, not if. If you’re feeling completely exhausted physically or mentally more often than not, it’s time to make a change for the better. That being said, our senior caregivers in Morris County have a few useful tips to help you manage it all, including a respite care option that could really benefit both your senior loved one and you. 

  1. Take Care of Yourself. One of the most important things you can do as a caregiver is to take care of yourself. You’re no good to anyone if you’re not good to yourself, period. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and take breaks when you need them. Taking care of yourself will help you stay energized, positive, and better able to handle the challenges of caregiving for a senior. 

  2. Find Support. Don’t try to do everything on your own. Seek support from friends, family, and even within your community. There are often local support groups for caregivers that you could join. It always helps to talk to someone who’s walked a mile in your shoes. If you feel like none of the above is enough, it may be time to talk to a professional counselor or therapist. Either way, it’s important to have people you can turn to when you need help or just need to vent. 

  3. Set Realistic Expectations. It’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself and your loved one. Don’t expect yourself to be able to do everything, and don’t expect your loved one to be able to do everything they used to do. Be honest about everyone’s limitations and set goals that are achievable. 

  4. Make Time to Enjoy Yourself. It’s important to make time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. Take a walk, read a book, watch a new Netflix series – whatever you choose, just make sure it’s something you truly enjoy. Doing something fun that is strictly for your benefit will make you smile, help you recharge and feel more at peace. 

  5. Consider Respite Care. Respite care at a senior living community can be a great way to give yourself a break from caregiving. Respite care allows your loved one to stay in a safe and supportive environment temporarily, while you take some time for yourself. You can use this time to run errands, attend appointments, go away for the weekend or simply relax. At Lester Senior Living, experienced staff members are onsite 24/7 to help your senior loved one transition to respite care more easily. The best part is you will feel confident leaving them in our care knowing that respite guests receive the same support, socialization, and benefits as full-time assisted living residents.

Move to Lester Senior Living Full-Time after a Respite Stay

You will not be the only one to enjoy the benefits of respite care. There might be a strong chance that your loved one really likes our community in Morris County and even made a few friends here while you were gone. Respite care is an ideal way for seniors to “try-out” assisted living without making the permanent commitment. Many of our full-time assisted living residents chose our community as a result of a respite stay. Who can blame them as seniors often find new friends in their age range, many activities to satisfy their interests, and around-the-clock compassionate care here at Lester Senior Living. 

For more information on our respite care in Morris County, please give us a call or visit our website at: https://jchcorp.org/assisted-living-morris-county-nj/

The original blog is posted on - https://jchcorp.org/caregiver-burnout-what-to-do-when-it-becomes-too-much/

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