Burnout and How Assisted Living Can Help
As much as we care for our aging loved ones, being a caregiver can cause stress and exhaustion. While you may feel that being the primary caregiver for your loved one is your responsibility, you shouldn’t ignore the signs of burnout. Burnout can harm both of you, as it could make it difficult for you to take care of yourself, let alone your loved one.
Whether you need a little help or a lot of it, seek the assistance you need to take care of your loved one. Read below to learn more about burnout and how to find help.
National Family Caregivers Month
According to the AARP, more than 40 million people in the United States care for an aging parent or a sick loved one. Millions of Americans quietly provide constant care for their family members, but this task can cause stress for the caregiver and for their family members. November has been designated National Family Caregivers Month to recognize these everyday heroes. If you find yourself among them, take a moment to celebrate everything you do for your loved one – and take more than a moment to ensure you’re not suffering from burnout.
Signs of Caregiver Burnout
Caregiver burnout is common and can be characterized by feelings of anxiety, depression, and irritability, just to name a few. Sleep may be hard to come by, and the impact can be emotional as well as physical. One typical sign is social withdrawal, as it can be difficult to find the emotional strength to interact with friends and family when caring for an aging loved one 24/7.
But taking on caregiving responsibilities is when you need help the most, so if you find yourself feeling isolated, reach out for help.
How Assisted Living Prevents Burnout
Guilt is a common feeling in caregivers who find it difficult to juggle the day-to-day care of their loved one with their other responsibilities, but you shouldn’t feel guilty for asking for help. Assisted living is one of the best things you can do for your loved one, as the right community will provide a place for your loved one to be well cared for. In fact, at The Landing at Cape Elizabeth, we provide constant care with nursing services, social programming, meal preparation, and more. We offer both long-term stays as well as a short-stay respite program, so you can turn to us for the support you need. This can help mitigate the symptoms related to caregiver burnout, leaving you and your loved one to enjoy happier, healthier lives.
Turn to the Cape Elizabeth Team
If you’re unsure about bringing your aging loved one to an assisted living community, we encourage you to reach out to us. We would love to schedule a visit and show you around our beautiful grounds on scenic Scott Dyer Road in Elizabeth, ME.
