Options To Help Relieve Caregiver Burnout

When caring for an elderly parent, it is important that you also take care of yourself. Caregiver burnout is common and can impact how well you care for your parent. To help you avoid caregiver burnout, there are options available to get relief from your full-time duties. 

What Is Caregiver Burnout?

Caregiver burnout occurs when you do not take time out to replenish yourself while caring for another. If you are caring for your parent full-time, you can start to experience depression, stress, and anxiety. All of these conditions can result in physical depletion. As a result, your ability to function is impacted. Your parent's care can start to inadvertently suffer. 

What Can You Do?

Ideally, you should take time out weekly to care for yourself. While you are caring for yourself, there are options available to help ensure that your parent is receiving the care that he or she needs. For instance, you can ask friends and family to help with your parent's care. Not only does this provide you with a break, but it also ensures that your parent has someone in the home that he or she knows. 

However, this might not always be an option. If your family is unwilling or unable to help, there are services available. Some options include:

• In-home care. Your parent can receive help with personal care and housekeeping tasks. If your parent is in need of more specialized help, some agencies have medical care providers, such as aides who are trained to assist with administering medication. 
• Respite care. Adult day services can care for your parent in a supervised environment outside of the home. Your parent will receive personal care and have the chance to interact with others. At the end of the day, your parent would return home. 
• Assisted living respite care. If you need more than a few hours of rest, you can opt for assisted living respite care. Your parent would receive the care he or she needs, but for a longer period of time. Your parent can stay in a facility for several days, if needed. 
• Companion care. A less expensive option is hiring someone to serve as a companion for your parent. He or she could assist with some personal tasks, but you can also take advantage of other resources, such as an in-home care aide or supportive in home caregiver.

Even though you want to be there for your parent around the clock, it is important that you take time out for yourself. 

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