Confronting Caregiver Burnout

Confronting Caregiver Burnout An ever increasing emphasis on in-home care combined with advancements in medicine and technology are ensuring that baby boomers acting as caregivers to their aging parents is not a fleeting phenomenon. As baby boomers... More

Confronting Caregiver Burnout An ever increasing emphasis on in-home care combined with advancements in medicine and technology are ensuring that baby boomers acting as caregivers to their aging parents is not a fleeting phenomenon. As baby boomers continue to fill the caregiver role, a surge in caregiver burnout is leaving caregivers feeling deflated. When the stress and strain of tending to a loved one becomes overwhelming, caregivers begin experiencing burnout. Caring for an elderly parent requires time, patience and energy, and almost always results in irritation and fatigue. Meeting the needs of elderly parents often comes at the expense of the caregiver s well-being. However there are numerous ways to minimize burnout while caring for a loved one. The Symptoms: − A feeling of apathy toward activities once enjoyed − Withdrawing from family and friends − Increased occurrence of illness − Inability to concentrate − Increased irritability or anxiety − Changes in appetite and we Less