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Taking care of a loved one who is aging, ill or at the end stages of life can be a blessing for sure. However, it can also be incredibly taxing – both physically and emotionally. At Abbington Assisted Living, we understand.
Being a caregiver can cause burnout and we are here to help avoid that. Abbington Assisted Living’s experts know that avoiding caregiver burnout is crucial – and there are things you can do. Also, know you aren’t alone. Here are some statistics on caregiving from AARP.
Here are four tips to avoid caregiver burnout from Abbington Assisted Living. Read on:
Take breaks
One of the most critical things you can do to avoid caregiver burnout is make sure you get ample breaks from it. This is one of those things that can be easier said than done, but it is also one of the most important things to do as a caregiver. There are usually resources and agencies available to help you so use them. And sometimes, knowing when your loved one would be best served by an assisted living community is crucial.
Get support
There are support groups – either online or in person – for caregivers to vent, find friends or just get tips and tricks for handling the unique challenges. Seek them out. It often helps to know that you aren’t alone and that others have been in your shoes and can offer empathy and encouragement.
Organize it
One of the most stressful things about being a caregiver is keeping track of all the things that need to be done. It’s called the “mental load” and it’s real – and really exhausting. One way you can make your life easier is to get organized. Use a calendar (paper or online) and get a journal or notebook to keep track of medications, appointments, to-dos and other tasks. Making sure to plan ahead for assisted living decisions or a funeral or memorial is also a good idea.
Know the signs
It can be hard in the thick of things to know you are experiencing caregiver burnout, so it’s important to know the signs. Some common signs of caregiver burnout include: Insomnia, anxiety or depression, being overly tired and new or increased health problems.
Abbington Assisted Living
At Abbington Assisted Living, we want to help you help your loved ones. Visit us today to learn about all of our options.
