Caregiver Burnout - LPNI

Caregivers, as we know them, have chosen to put their lives on hold usually to care for a family member.  These caregivers may be so busy caring for the needs of the loved one that they put aside their own needs, neglecting their mind, body, and spirit.  Many may not feel they can leave the home for almost any reason, go to the store, to the doctor, and even to church.  In these days of online delivery, the caregiver may not have to drive, but may have groceries delivered, as well as home-care items.  Personal hygiene, friendships, and group activities are often put aside while caring for their family member.  

Giving care for every part of the life of another may well be lonely, overwhelming, and lead to thoughts of hopelessness.  The constant requirements of this care may lead to burnout of the caregiver.  The caregiver may withdraw from others, be irritable, have changes in appetite, experience insomnia, or be exhausted.  After the family member has passed, the caregiver may be found to have health problems due to former personal neglect.

Aspects of burnout may also include:

1. Role confusion -- confusing their role in the family (wife, daughter, son) to that of a constant provider. Feeding, bathing, turning, changing soiled undergarments, and giving medications can be oart of the role of a caregiver.
   
   
2. Unrealistic expectations, including the expectation that the care-receiver will be grateful for their care. Depending of the disease process, the memory of who is giving the care may be lost; breathing may be a struggle, leaving little thought for where or who is providing the care; or the ability to communicate has been taken.  This allows for little gratitude for the caregiver.
   
   
3. Lack of control.  Very few caregivers have planned to be a caregiver.  Where do they find the tools to give this level of care?  How do they acquire the equipment?  How to clean the personal area of the loved one?  And additionally, how do the bills get paid?  Having tasks that cloud any planning or understanding may increase the burnout.
   
   
4. Unreasonable demands. Many caregivers will take the full load of the care upon themselves, believing that they are the right and only one for this care.  If others come to offer care, they may push them aside, attempting to do the tasks themselves.  These seemingly unreasonable demands on oneself will increase the burnout.
   
   
5. Burnout may be obscured by the need to be the caregiver.  Caregivers often deny that they are not able to handle this level of care.  Depression and loss of their own health may be the outcome.

To prevent burnout

• talk to a trusted friend or neighbor about frustrations, feelings, and fears
• seek to understand the disease process, this will assist in planning for future issues;
• allow yourself to enjoy a favorite show, book, or time on a social platform;
• talk to the Social Worker, if available, from Home Health or Hospice;
• take advantage of respite care offered by church or friends;
• remember that sleeping, eating, and hydration remain important and necessary;
• start a gratitude journal, and find a few positives in each day;
• remember you are important; your mind, body and soul still need nurturing.

• Home Health may be available to assist with planning, or providing an aide for bathing, and support.
• Adult Day Care if the care recipient is able to participate at all.
• Private Duty Caregivers who can come in for two-four hours a few times a week for respite.
• Hospice Care can assist with equipment, caregiving, support, and providing needed items.
• Churches can develop a Respite Program to give the caregiver a break and for socializing.
• Online Support Groups where caregivers can offer/give support and exchange caregiving techniques.

Caregivers are often alone in a “sea of people”.   Lost in the task of giving care to a loved one, they may not think of what tomorrow may bring.  They need to be aware of care to prevent the fatigue that may set in, and be able to take time to pray or read a devotional. Forgotten and lonely, the caregiver, even if a member of a church or have a supportive family, struggles every day to be whole, healthy and also cared for.

Information provided by WedMD and the American Heart Association.

Hope Knight MS, RN

LCMS, Oklahoma Parish Nurse District Representative