Do you have these signs of caregiver exhaustion?

Caring for (and worrying about) aging parents can be exhausting. And, most of us have a lot of other competing responsibilities. Whether you are caring for a parent in your home/full-time or manage things from afar, you may find yourself worn out.

Sometimes the symptoms of exhaustion sneak up on you. They can include:

• Snapping at your loved ones, being short-tempered/angry
• Loss of interest in favorite activities, withdrawal from social connections and activities
• Depression, apathy
• Getting sick frequently
• Falling asleep during the day, disturbed sleep patterns (even difficulty sleeping or waking early)
• Change in appetite, eating a lot of junk/fast food
• Drinking, smoking or eating more; getting little exercise
• Muscle soreness, body pain
• Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks
• Memory issues, impaired judgment
• Neglecting your own needs/health
• Difficulty in other roles/completing necessary tasks (work problems, marital issues, no energy to complete errands, take a shower or do laundry)

Family caregiving can become a chronic stressor, causing caregivers to experience negative psychological, behavioral, and physiological effects on their daily lives and health.

This isn’t something to ignore. Caregivers suffer from higher levels of anxiety and depression, but also physical effects. Not only do caregivers perceive their health to be worse, but studies show viral illnesses last longer in caregivers than in control subjects.

AND, one landmark study revealed that elderly spousal caregivers who experienced caregiver strain had a mortality risk that was 63 percent higher than that in control subjects.

If you are suffering from some of these symptoms of exhaustion, get help so you can continue to help your care recipient.

Respite Care: THE Solution for Caregiver Exhaustion

We can tell you all the things you need to do: go to your doctor’s appointments, exercise, eat right, get rest. But, you know them. It is the reality of life that gets in the way. It’s easy to say, “you should eat nutrient-dense meals to keep up your energy”. Easier said than done when you have five minutes to eat between work and getting to the hospital to see Mom.

This is why respite care is THE solution to caregiver exhaustion. It is the answer to balancing caregiving with the rest of your life. Respite is the best way to actually find time to do the things you need to do to stay healthy and happy.

Learn more about respite care: how it works, what it costs, and answers to your burning questions.