Stress is the most common synonym used by researchers to represent caregiver burden in literature. It's dishonest to look for a sweetened euphemism. Yes, it is a burden and, at times, intolerable. As someone who provides Home Care in Tarpon Springs FL, the joy I have felt since discovering this awakening as a caregiver far exceeds what I expected.
I wanted to share this with you. If you are preparing to provide care or have recently started providing care, there are some tips to keep in mind that can help prevent caregiver burnout. Caregiver burnout is a state of mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion caused by caring for a loved one. When I started taking care of my partner, I discovered that all my experience as a caregiver, even though I was learning non-stop, was not going to be enough. As a caregiver for a loved one, there are different levels of emotion before the feeling of burden appears.
We help clients with the full range of legal needs of older adults, including concerns related to care and caregiver responsibilities. From caring for an aging spouse to caring for a chronically ill relative, taking on the role of caregiver for a family member or friend is not uncommon, especially in long-term care situations. If they can, talking to your loved one about what they expect from you as a caregiver can help set better expectations. What I had to share was my journey of the last 63 years until I reached COVID, basically because when I was taking care of someone in the 80s I discovered that there were no books or instructions on how to care for a loved one.
But I must say that the joy was overwhelming and not only for me and the person I was caring for, but also for the people involved. We almost had parties or meetings on the weekends that built the social life of the person we were caring for. Other factors that contribute to caregiver burnout include job confusion when the caregiver has a family or other close relationship with the loved one who needs care or unrealistic expectations and frustration over the effect that providing care will have on the loved one who needs it. I have always liked to analyze a problem, such as the burden I had as a caregiver, and find the solution, which turned out to be the team.
While caregiver stress syndrome may not be a recognized medical condition, it is very real and can have serious adverse effects on your health and on your ability to care for your loved one.
