How to Prevent Caregiver Burnout: Practical Tips for Maintaining Your Well-Being
As estate planning and elder law attorneys, we encounter many caregivers. Roughly 80% of caregiving is provided by family members. Caregiving is an incredibly rewarding role, but it can also be physically and emotionally draining. It takes a toll on marriages, careers, personal interests and health. Caregiver burnout is a very real issue that can affect anyone who is responsible for the care of a loved one.
Avoiding Caregiver Burnout
1. Set Realistic Expectations
It’s important to remember that you are only human and you can only do so much. Setting realistic expectations for yourself and the care you provide can help prevent feelings of overwhelm and exhaustion. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Here’s your script: “I need some support caring for Mom. Can you take her to her weekly doctor’s appointment?”
2. Take Breaks
Caregiving can be a round-the-clock responsibility, but it’s essential to take breaks to rest and recharge. Even short breaks throughout the day can make a big difference in your overall well-being.
3. Prioritize Self-care
Caregivers often focus so much on caring for others that they neglect their own needs. Make self-care a priority by engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, or practicing meditation.
4. Seek Support
You are not alone in this journey. Reach out to friends, family members, or support groups for emotional support and practical assistance. Having someone to be your sounding board can relieve your stress and provide a good “check” for you if you’re doing too much. Connecting with others who understand what you are going through can provide valuable comfort and guidance. Our friends at Hope Grows can provide you with great support.
5. Maintain Boundaries
It’s important to set boundaries with both the person you are caring for and with yourself. Feeling guilty for taking time for yourself is common among caregivers, but remember that your well-being is just as important as the care you provide.
6. Stay Organized
Keeping track of appointments, medications, and important information can help alleviate some of the stress associated with caregiving. Consider using a planner or organizer to stay on top of responsibilities.
7. Find a Care Partner
Have a care partner from the beginning who can be another family member, friend or paid in-home care companion. Allow this person to be Mom or Dad’s visitor or caregiver at least once weekly.
Family Caregiver Contract
Sometimes the caregiver retires early or takes a hiatus from working to care for a parent. This can negatively impact the caregiver’s savings and retirement funding. In order to help the family caregiver, many families design a way to pay the caregiver from the parent’s estate or assets. This is entirely appropriate – there’s nothing in the law that prevents this. However, it must be documented properly to avoid any problems in the event the parent must apply for medical assistance in the future. If your parent is eligible for medical assistance already, there may be rules that prevent the caregiver from being paid and also serving as the parents agent under a power of attorney.
To help you and your family avoid misunderstandings, the experienced elder law attorneys at Fiffik Law Group can help create a contract at any time during the caregiving arrangement. The contract should clearly state the caregiver’s duties, schedule, respite time and wages. Ideally everyone in the family understands and agrees on the arrangements.
Caregiving is a challenging but meaningful role. By implementing these practical suggestions and prioritizing your own well-being, you can avoid caregiver burnout and continue to provide the best care possible for your loved one. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish – it’s necessary for being able to care for others effectively.