Caring for a loved one is an extremely rewarding yet demanding experience. Explore ways to avoid caregiver burnout so you can be the best caretaker you can be

When our loved ones start to get older they start to need more and more help. If your loved one has Alzheimer's or other ailments, they are going to need even more of your time. 

While beings a loved one's caregiver can be a beautiful and rewarding thing, sometimes it can be overwhelming. This is called caregiver burnout. This buildup of stress is inevitable if you don't know how to combat it.

Caregiver burnout is nothing to feel ashamed about, and we have compiled a list of a few things you can do to help yourself. After all, if we aren't healthy ourselves, then we can't take proper care of our loved ones. 

1. Help Them Help Themselves  

You are tasked with helping your loved one, but that doesn't mean that there aren't some things that they would rather do on their own. Setting them up to be able to do things on their own is good for a couple of different reasons. 

Letting them feel as independent as possible will help them deal with their inability to do other things. Also, it will take some of the weight off of your shoulders. 

Simple things like installing a sitting chair in the shower so they can bathe themselves and a grip bar by the bed so they can easily sit up in the mornings can go a long way. You can also try putting things on lower shelves and buying easy to grip silverware. 

The more they can do on their own, the more time you will have to destress. 

2. Try Not to Take Things Personally

It's important not to take the things your loved one says and does personally. This is a hard time in their lives; they are losing their independence and that's not an easy thing to deal with.

This is especially true if they had Alzheimer's or Dementia. Illnesses like that tend to change their personalities. Try your best to remember the person they really are.

3. Take Care of Yourself

It's easier said than done, but the best thing you can do is take care of yourself. Eat healthy meals, exercise, and find time to relax. 

Check-in with yourself every now and then and make sure you understand the warning signs of depression. 

It can also be very helpful to talk to people about how you're feeling. The people around you aren't mind readers, but they might be able to help out if you let them know you need it.

4. Get Help Before You Burnout

Being a caregiver is hard work. It's not easy to carve out time for yourself. That's why it's important to ask for help before you start to get caregiver burnout.

It's hard to ask and even harder to take time for yourself, but you can't help them if you are burnt out. 

If you aren't lucky enough to have family that can help you, there are services that can come in to give you a break.

If you are interested in finding some help and getting some rest for yourself, contact us. We would be more than happy to help you.