Last week we discussed 10 signs of caregiver burnout that you need to be aware of. Burnout can happen when the emotional and physical demands of caregiving become too much for you. If you recognized some of those signs of burnout in yourself, then it’s time to change the situation.

5 Strategies That Can Help You to Cope with and Relieve Caregiver Burnout

If you’re having trouble coping with the demands of caring for a loved one, then consider putting these 5 techniques to work.

Lean on Family and Friends

Your family and friends can be great resources for you. Ask other family members to share some of the caregiving duties so you’re not caught doing everything. If you need, try to come up with a schedule so that other family members can step in, giving you a day off here and there.

Don’t forget that your family and friends can also support you emotionally. Just talking about the stress and frustrations you encounter with caregiving can help you to feel a bit better.

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Look for Strategies to Relieve Caregiving Demands

When you’re trying to do too much, you’ll eventually encounter caregiver burnout. As a senior’s care needs increase, you’ll need to look into ways that you can relieve some of the caregiving demands that you’re feeling. Look into ways that you can reduce the amount of caregiving you need to provide, whether it’s bringing in professional help, getting other family members to pitch in, or enrolling your loved one in senior living.

Make Time for Yourself

You may find that caregiving is consuming all of your free time, but it’s so important to make time for yourself. Set aside a little time every day for you to relax. Go for a walk, spend some time playing with your kids, do yoga, or meditate.

Additionally, set aside a day or two a week where you don’t have to provide care. These times are important, since they allow you to do some things that you enjoy without feeling obligated or under pressure to take care of your loved one. A brief break allows you to return to caregiving feeling refreshed and ready to take on the challenge.

Use Stress Relief Techniques

Feeling stressed? Then you need to find ways to relieve it. Too much stress is unhealthy and will contribute to burnout.

To relieve stress, try some strategies like:

• Deep breathing
• Meditation
• Talking to a therapist
• Journaling
• Exercising
• And more

It’s important to find a strategy that works for you, your lifestyle, and your situation.

Hire a Home Caregiver

A home caregiver can be a tremendous help when your own caregiving duties become overwhelming. At Cahoon Care, we offer a variety of in-home care services from companion care to more comprehensive personal care and Alzheimer’s care options. Our caregivers can be with your loved one when you can’t, and can help to free up your schedules and your caregiving responsibilities.

If you’re experiencing caregiver burnout or just need some help, please contact us today. We would be happy to discuss how we can help ensure that your loved one gets the care they need.

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