Caring for a loved one who can no longer care for themselves can be a challenge. It’s a new role many people take on as they get older, and whereas it’s fueled by love, it can be stressful at times. Caregiver fatigue is a type of burnout as a result of this stress. Often caregivers feel pressure and that unrealistic expectations are being asked of them in this new role. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways caregivers can receive the help and support they need. Here are five signs of caregiver fatigue.
Lack of motivation
Often caregiver burnout leads to a lack of motivation in general. This could affect their ability to provide care for their relative or their desire to take part in other activities. Care services such as cds can help improve the situation and restore the relationship between the caregiver and their loved one. By taking off some of the strain from the caregiver by helping out with daily tasks and personal care, they can get their motivation back.
Social withdrawal
Sometimes caregivers will feel overwhelmed to the point that they aren’t interested in social interaction anymore. Pressure from other family members to fulfill certain expectations as a caregiver might leave them feeling isolated. It’s important to offer support to friends and family members who are caregivers and reassure them that they are not alone. There are plenty of resources and groups online as well to help out caregivers.
Insomnia
The stress of caregiving could also cause insomnia. Caregivers experience many worries and concerns which could stop them from sleeping at night. Financial and time restraints can often mean caregivers aren’t able to fulfill the role, and this can be very stressful. They will also have to endure seeing their loved one unwell or in bad conditions. All of these factors could have a negative impact on their mental wellbeing.
Depression
The symptoms of depression are similar to those of caregiver fatigue. The feeling of burnout is the result of extreme stress and tiredness. This can cause a loss of hope and negative thoughts. It’s important to spot the signs of depression in a caregiver and ensure they get all the support they need. Caregiver fatigue occurs when the caregiver is emotionally, physically, and mentally drained. There are several solutions that can help such as respite care, at-home assistance, and long-term care facilities.
Self-neglect
Unfortunately, self-neglect is also a symptom of caregiver burnout. The caregiver will have begun to neglect their own needs and allow the stress to take over. If long-term stress like this lingers for too long, caregivers can fall victim to caregiver fatigue. Whether you’re a caregiver or know someone who is, self-care should also be a priority. Even though you’ve nobly dedicated your life to caring for another person, you need to remember your own mental and physical health. This way you’ll be able to provide better support to your loved one and will be less likely to experience caregiver fatigue.