Many caregivers struggle with physical, emotional, and/or mental exhaustion — commonly referred to as caregiver burnout — when caring for the elderly. This state of burnout can often be seen in a change in their attitude towards the care recipient — from being positive and extremely caring to negative and completely apathetic as the burnout peaks.

Generally, caregiver burnout happens when caregivers try to put in more effort in their duties than they are capable of, both physically and mentally. Other times, it is a result of unavailable help to them when they need it. However, it is easy to prevent provided you know its early signs and what to do if you notice those signs.

If you are a caregiver or a family member caring for your elderly loved one, watch out for these signs that indicate caregiver burnout:

• Overwhelming fatigue
• Lack of energy
• Sleep troubles (too little or too much)
• Changes in eating habits; increased or loss of appetite
• weight gain or loss
• A feeling of hopelessness
• Losing interest in the activities you used to enjoy
• Neglecting own physical and emotional needs
• Stomachaches, headaches, and other physical problems
• Reduced resistance to illness
• Depression, anxiety, or mood swings
• Difficulty coping with everyday activities

What to do if you notice the early signs of caregiver burnout?

If you notice the early signs of burnout, take these steps:

Take a break
A break from your caregiving duties will enable you to rest your mind and rejuvenate. This will help you perform better when you get back to caring for the elderly. Go on a vacation or join a marathon day, or do anything you love to do.

Eat a balanced diet
Failure to consume a balanced diet can impact your performance in all aspects of life, including caregiving responsibilities. As a caregiver or family member providing care, you need to stay active all day long, which is monitoring what you eat and how often you eat is essential. Make sure to pay attention to your diet.

Ask for help when in need
Feeling overwhelmed when caring for the elderly is normal. You may fail to figure out what’s necessary for a given situation or stress yourself out to provide the best care. But you don’t necessarily have to experience it alone. It’s better to ask someone for help or have someone around to share your emotions and burden. It’s a good way to counter stress and the burden of eldercare.

Final note
Caregiver burnout is real and can happen with anyone caring for the elderly. However, it can be provided by recognizing its early signs and taking steps to combat it.

If you want to learn the art of caring for seniors without burdening yourself both physically and mentally, Eldercare Planning by Chris Cooper is your best caregiving guide to go for.