Even the best caregivers can start to feel like they’re burning out. This doesn’t mean you’re a bad caregiver or that you’ve done anything wrong. It’s just an indication that you need to spend some time focusing on you for a while.
Immediately Go Easier on Yourself
A common reaction for people is that when they notice they’re slipping in some areas, they crack down on themselves and try to push themselves harder. But that’s not going to help you with burnout. Stop pushing yourself so hard and treat yourself a bit gently right now. The last thing that you need is to crack the whip and make the situation worse.
Schedule Some Time Away
You’re going to need some downtime to collect yourself and to do some thinking. Schedule some respite time with elder care providers and don’t allow yourself to feel guilty about it. Spend this time doing things just for you. This is vital to you being able to focus on what you need and to get back to doing what you love doing on a regular basis.
Consider Talking to an Expert
Sometimes burnout can sneak up on you to the extent that you don’t have any clue what to do when you realize what’s going on. This is really normal, especially if you’ve been pushing yourself pretty hard for a while. Consider talking to a therapist who is well-versed in dealing with caregiving issues. They can help you get to the root of what you need and how you can get there. Joining a support group can be helpful for this, too.
Evaluate Your Health Changes
If you’ve experienced any health changes over the last few months, you need to take a long look at them now. Schedule a visit with your own doctor and get a baseline for where you are right now. This is going to be a crucial part of your self-care from here on out. Start taking action now so that you’re not ruining your own health to take care of your senior.
When you spot the first signs of burnout, that’s when you need to take action. Ideally, you’ve already been putting self-care into your daily routine, but it’s still not too late. Don’t overlook your needs in favor of the needs of the people around you. You won’t be able to take care of them if you’re down for the count.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care Services in Oakland, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Call (866)-940-4855
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