What is Caregiver Burnout and How Can Respite Care Help?

Caregiver Arlington Heights IL - What is Caregiver Burnout and How Can Respite Care Help?

Caring for an aging loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging and overwhelming. Sometimes, if the stress of caregiving is left unchecked, it can have a toll on your life - eventually leading to a burnout, a state of emotional, metal, and physical exhaustion. And when that happens, both you and the person you are caring for may suffer. That is why it is important, as a caregiver, to take time for yourself too. 

Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout 

* Anxiety, depression or irritability 

* Feeling tired or run down 

* Difficulty sleeping or restless 

* Overreacting to minor nuisances 

* Trouble concentrating 

* Feeling increasingly resentful 

* Drinking, smoking or eating more 

* Neglecting responsibilities 

* Cutting back on leisure activities 

It is common to feel overwhelmed and stressed when caring over an elderly family member or friend, but if it becomes too much of a toll on your health and wellness and you start experiencing some of the symptoms above, look into respite care and give yourself some piece of mind.  

What is Respite Care?  

Respite care provides primary caregivers with a little bit of relief. It can take many forms, but boils down to two basic ideas:  

Sharing the responsibility  

Respite care can be enlisting other family members or friends to watch your elderly loved one so you can take a break for yourself to handle chores or go to the gym, for example. Hiring a caregiver from a respite program could also share responsibilities for your loved one.  

Out-of-Home programs 

Respite care can also mean using out of home programs such as an adult day care center, day camps, nursing homes or community and senior centers.  

Some respite care services may require a certain cost, such as a hired home care provider.  

Most Medicare will cover costs for a certain number of days in a row of respite care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility for a person receiving hospice care. Medicaid may also help. Cost and insurance coverage will vary from agency to agency.  

While caring for a loved one may never be stress-free, having respite care as an option can help lighten the load and avoid symptoms of caregiver burnout. It can provide you a much-needed relief from the demands of caregiving and find more balance in your life while providing the continued care your loved one requires.  

Sources:  https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-respite-care  
https://archrespite.org/respitelocator  
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery.htm  

 If you or an aging loved one are considering Caregiver Services in Arlington Heights IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823. ​

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