The Truth About Caregiver Burnout

In recent years, the number of caregivers in the United States has grown significantly. Reports show that about 53 million American adults provide care for a spouse, an elderly parent, a relative, or a special-needs child, which is a notable increase from the reported 43.5 million in 2015. In many instances, these caregivers are also balancing full-time jobs, compounding the emotional and physical demands, which can lead to caregiver burnout.

Caregivers are individuals who look after and tend to the needs of others who have short- or long-term limitations due to illness, injury, or disability. A “family caregiver,” is someone who takes care of a family member. In these instances, the family does not have to be a blood relative. It could be someone a person views as a family member, such as congregation members, neighbors, or close friends.

The problem is caregiving is a difficult job which brings with it a lot of stress. It can feel overwhelming. Caregiver burnout refers to the physical and mental fatigue that could occur if a caregiver does not provide him or herself with the proper support and self-care.

This article will provide advice and tips on how to navigate caregiving without burnout. Understanding the signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout and knowing how to prevent it isn’t just important for your well-being, it’s essential for the person you’re caring for as well.

What Is Caregiver Burnout?

Caregiver burnout occurs when an individual, who is a caregiver, becomes overwhelmed with physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion while caring for another person, usually caring for a loved one.

And, it’s a common condition.

The average family caregiver spends about 25 hours a week on activities focused on care giving, and 25 percent of those caregivers dedicate more than 40 hours a week to caregiving activities. In addition the number of adults, according to the Caregiver Action Network, increased from 1 in 7 (in 2020) to 1 in 5 (in 2023). Furthemore, more caregivers are providing more care to multiple people, with 24 percent caring for at least two or more people. All of this work can weaken a person’s health.

In a report titled, “Standing Up and Stepping In: A Modern Look at Caregivers in the US,” from Guardian Life, 41 percent of caregivers report not feeling well. Forty percent stated their responsibilities, as a caregiver, has negatively impacted their stress.

In addition, caregivers have an increased risk for having multiple chronic diseases due to them neglecting their personal health needs to take care of others.

The Symptoms for Caregiving Burnout

Therefore, it’s no surprise many Americans experience caregiver burnout. The issue is many caregivers don’t realize they’re on the path to caregiver burnout until it’s too late. By this time, they’re suffering from multiple symptoms.

Examples of such symptoms might be:

• Lack of energy
• Overwhelming fatigue
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Changing in eating habits, which can either cause you to gain or lose weight.
• Feeling a sense of hopelessness
• Withdrawing or losing interest in activities you used to enjoy.
• Neglecting your own health issues – emotional, physical, and mental needs.
• Feeling the caregiver is controlling.
• Difficulty coping with everyday things.
• Headaches, stomachaches, and other physical problems.
• Lowered resistance to illness.

The Root Causes of Caregiving Burnout

When caregivers care for their loved ones, it is normal for them to become busy caring for their loved ones. They are concerned about their family member’s condition, and they want to help him or her recover. They want to help their family members so much, they ignore their own health conditions.

Other factors can lead to caregiver burnout too, such as:

• Role confusion: In some instances, a caregiver might become confused about his or her role. It can be difficult to separate the role of a caregiver from the role of a spouse, child, or friend.
• Unrealistic expectations: Many caregivers believe their personal care will have a positive effect on the health and happiness of the person they are caring for. But this can be an unrealistic expectation, especially if the person has a progressive illness like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.
• Lack of control: Caregivers might find it frustrating to deal with the lack of money, resources, and skills to manage a loved one’s care.
• Unreasonable demands: Caregivers may find it too much to take on the job, and they may realize the job is too big for one person.
• Other factors: Caregivers may not even realize they are burnt out, and they may get to the point where they can’t function either. They may even become sick themselves.

Caregiver Burnout vs. Depression

Many caregivers experience depression too. However, caregiver burnout is not the same as depression. Still, in many instances, caregiver burnout can be confused with depression, because the symptoms are similar.

These symptoms can include:

• Emotional and physical exhaustion
• Withdrawal from friends, family and other loved ones.
• Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed.
• Feeling hopeless and helpless.
• Changes in appetite and/or weight.
• Changes in sleep patterns.
• The inability to concentrate.

There are a variety of specific issues which can lead to prolonged stress which can then lead to caregiving burnout. And, usually, you’re able to identify the issues that are causing you to feel so low and exhausted. Once you remove these stressors, you can get some relief from the burnout feelings you have.

However, depression is usually not connected to a specific event or situation. Unlike those who have caregiving burnout, depression requires some kind of treatment, whether it be therapy or medication. Even if there is a specific event or issue that triggered the depression, removing that triggering force will not lead to recovery. The treatment is still necessary. (In addition, to be diagnosed with depression, you need to have at least five or more depression symptoms for two weeks.)

Medical experts have noted that the burnout may lead to more emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. According to the American Psychological Association, depersonalization is “a state of mind in which the self appears unreal. Individuals feel estranged from themselves and usually from the external world, and thoughts and experiences have a distant, dreamlike character.” Some describe it as a feeling where you’re on the outside looking in. Depersonalization is not a depression symptom, but you may experience it as a symptom of burnout. Also, it’s important to note that caregiver burnout can eventually lead to depression.

How to Prevent Caregiver Burnout

If you are a caregiver, there are steps you can take which can prevent caregiver burnout. For instance, you can do the following:

• Understand your limits: Constantly do reality checks and make sure you aren’t stretched too thin. Know that caregiver burnout can occur;
• Have a support system: Find one or two people you can trust that you can talk to. Sharing some of your concerns with others can ease some of the stress you are feeling;
• Make your goals realistic: Accept that you can’t do this job alone, and you may need to ask others for help;
• Accept the situation: If you are caring for someone who has a progressive illness, like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, know your care will not help;
• Dedicate time to yourself: Make sure you can set time for yourself. Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury. You need time to yourself if you’re going to be effective;
• Therapy: Find a therapist, a social worker, or a clergy member who you can talk to. Having someone, a professional, listen to you can be very beneficial;
• Caregiver support groups: Participating in support groups can help with managing your stress;
• Research the illness: Find out more about the illness of the person and how you can be the most effective caregiver for the person;
• Be healthy: Take all precautions to be healthy. Eat nutritious meals. Exercise consistently. Get plenty of sleep; and
• Take a break: If you feel crushed from caregiver stress, don’t be too afraid to ask friends and family to take over the caregiving responsibilities for a week or two while you get a break. If friends or families aren’t able to help, ask a home health services group for respite care.

Resources to Help with Caregiver Burnout

If you are already experiencing caregiver burnout, there are multiple places that can provide support. You might want to look at the following resources:

• Home care agencies: These agencies employ home health aides (HHAs) and nurses who can provide short-term care if your loved one is ill;
• Adult day care: These are programs geared toward seniors. It offers a place for them to socialize with other seniors and to take part in activities. They also provide medical care and other services;
• Nursing homes or assisted-living facilities: This is another facility which can offer short-term respite. They also can provide medical care.
• Area agency or commission on aging: Your local agency or your local chapter of the American Association of Retired Person can provide services, geared toward seniors, in your area.

Any ones of the above-mentioned resources can go a long way toward helping you deal with caregiver burnout.

Caregiving is an act of compassion, sacrifice, and deep personal commitment. The family, friends, and the other loved ones you are helping take care of appreciate the assistance you are giving them. However, all of this help you are providing should not come at the cost of your own health and well-being.

That’s why recognizing the signs of burnout and taking proactive steps to care for yourself is not selfish. It’s crucial. When you care for yourself, you are equipping yourself with the energy and health to care for those who rely on you. Without this energy and health, you are not only hurting yourself. You’re hurting your loved ones too.

Whether it’s reaching out to a support group, setting healthy boundaries, or going to see a therapist, small steps can stop you from sustaining caregiver burnout.

And, also know: You are not alone. There are resources, including our proffesional caregiver guide, communities, and mental health professionals ready to help. By prioritizing your own needs as a caregiver, you not only protect your health, but you also honor the important role you play in your loved one’s life.

All American Home Care is one of the country’s leading providers of compassionate, high-quality home care services. We offer a deep commitment to personalized care, professionalism, and community trust, and our team ensures each patient receives the attention and respect they deserve.