What is caregiver burnout?

When a caregiver loses the ability to provide care and feel overwhelmed and oppressed this often is called burnout. Generally individuals feel they cannot go on and do not go on and so not see how they can continue providing care.

How do people describe burnout?

Common signs of burnout include irritability, withdrawal, ongoing and constant fatigue, difficulty sleeping, apathy, appetite change, depression, substance abuse (stimulants and alcohol), resentment and guilt.

· Withdrawing from friends, family, and other loved ones.
· Losing interest in activities previously enjoyed.
· Feeling blue, hopeless and helpless.
· Experiencing changes in appetite, weight, or both.
· Lack of interest in daily activities.
· Getting sick more often.
· Decreased work productivity
· Feeling you want to hurt yourself or the person for whom you are caring.
· Becoming emotionally and physically exhausted.

What causes burn out?

Burnout can result from competing demands, lack of support and changing stresses within the care situation. Changing roles may be a cause. Another cause is the expectation the caregiver has for the outcomes of caregiving. Often there are few obvious rewards, there is a lack of control, no support and the end seems far in the distance when there are unrealistic goals placed on the outcome. It is hard to meet goals. Isolation can also result.

What can I do to protect myself from burnout?

It is important to remember that to take care of yourself in order to take care of the person who depends on you. Caregiving is filled with stress. It helps to know that others feel the same frustrations, angers and fears. You can protect yourself from burnout by getting needed assistance using and taking advantage of respite, and giving up some competing demands.

What do people do to overcome burnout?

Here are some helpful tips that people use to prevent or deal with burn out:

· It's helpful to share making decisions with the person you care for, if that person is able. Involving the other person takes some of the burden off of you, but also makes the person an active partner in their care.

· Set realistic goals. Accept he fact that you may need help with care tasks. Ask for help.

· Try to remember that you have needs, too. You may need time to relax, to get away from your caregiving role and to get additional support. Plan on a regular respite to do something you want to do.

· Set priorities for each day. Make a list.

· Do not become isolated. Do you need to stay connected with family and friends?

· Know yourself. Recognize your potential for burnout. Recognize early signs.

· Set aside times for yourself. Self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity every day.

· Incorporate exercise into your daily routine.

· Maintain good nutrition.

· Develop strategies for coping

· Ask for and accept help. Try to involve as many family members as possible. You can use a family meeting to think of ideas and to decide how to share responsibilities. Rotate responsibilities. You should not try to be a hero and do everything yourself. If family members are not available, try neighbors and friends.

· Educate yourself. You'll also be able to plan for the future. It helps to have a plan for how your relative or friend will be cared for if something happens to you.

· Find support. Talk about your feelings with someone outside the family who isn't so close to the situation, such as a friend, another caregiver, or professional.

· Relaxation and humor may be useful.

For more information - see the Family Care Research Program website: http://www.cancercare.msu.edu.

Or contact: Barbara Given, University Distinguished Professor, College of Nursing at bgiven@msu.edu or 517-353-0306.