How Edgemere Can Help You Come Back From Caregiver Burnout

Family members serving as caregivers for loved ones is becoming increasingly common. While it can be incredibly rewarding, it also comes with its fair share of stress. When the work starts to outweigh the reward, caregiver burnout becomes a risk.

Don’t let yourself get pushed to the brink. With respite care options from Edgemere you can get the professional assistance you need and bounce back from caregiver burnout.

Am I Suffering From Caregiver Burnout?

In many cases, caregivers don’t seek support because they feel guilty about prioritizing their own needs. However, it’s important to remember you’re not alone in experiencing feelings of burnout. A recent study from the AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving found there are nearly 48 million caregivers caring for someone over the age of 18, and among that group, 23% say caregiving has made their health worse. If you think you may be experiencing caregiver burnout, here are some of the key indicators to watch for:

• Feelings of irritability, hopelessness or depression
• Changes in sleep patterns
• No longer finding enjoyment in favorite activities
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Physical and emotional fatigue or exhaustion
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Personal health problems

Another common condition associated with caregiver burnout is compassion fatigue. This is characterized by indifference or a lack of empathy toward those who are suffering. Compassion fatigue is a strong sign that the mental and emotional weight of caretaking has pushed you to a point of burnout.

Edgemere’s Respite Care Options

Just as the name suggests, respite care is a temporary option that provides caregivers with a break from their day-to-day responsibilities. With this sort of short-term break, you can take time to focus on your own well-being and know that your loved ones are receiving around-the-clock professional care.

As the premier respite care option in the Dallas area, the health center at Edgemere has received a five-star rating from Medicare, setting the standard in luxury senior living. During their visit, guests will enjoy full access to the world-class amenities enjoyed by our full-time residents. This includes everything from recreational activities in the stunningly landscaped grounds to fresh dining experiences curated by a James Beard Award nominated chef.

The mission at Edgemere is to celebrate seniors in everything we do. No matter where you are in your journey, our caring team members are available and ready to help you and your loved one ensure you receive the best care possible. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions you have.

4 Ways to Discuss Respite Care With Your Parents or Spouse

Even if respite care seems like an excellent possibility to help your loved one and prevent caregiver burnout, it doesn’t mean starting the discussion is any easier. To get the conversation going with your spouse or parents, try any of these options:

• Approach them honestly. As a caregiver, you’re likely very familiar with the needs of your loved ones. However, they might not be as familiar with the demands on your life. Being open and honest about your own circumstances helps open the channels of communication. Remember, they likely want what’s best for you as well.

• Be prepared with details. Though respite care is a widely-available option, that doesn’t mean everyone is familiar with it. The more details you can share, the easier it is to envision. The temporary nature of respite care often makes it more approachable, and it always helps to have specifics about accommodations, locations, amenities and other essentials.

• Focus on the care. The ultimate goal of respite care is to benefit all parties involved. When you get past the emotional aspect, the tangible aspects of professional care are a tremendous benefit. This doesn’t only apply to the duration of the visit, either. Professionals may be able to offer advice that can help you alleviate stress and enhance your caretaking going forward.

• Utilize support systems. As a caretaker, there’s no reason you need to be on an island. While it might feel lonely sometimes, consider what support systems you have at your disposal. Others that have gone through similar circumstances might be able to offer strategies you haven’t considered.

How to Overcome Obstacles to Respite Care

When you feel like you’re hitting roadblocks, it might be tempting to abandon the idea of respite care and continue along as you have been. Unfortunately this only perpetuates the cycle of caregiver burnout. Consider some of these strategies to overcome the obstacles you’re encountering:

• Schedule a visit. No matter how much reading and research you do, there’s nothing like experiencing something for yourself. Whether virtually or in-person, connecting with the community can give you and your loved ones a first-hand feel for the actual respite care experience. This is a great time to get questions answered straight from the source.

• Give yourself a break. The idea behind respite care is to provide caregivers with a much-needed break, but you may need to do that for yourself before you move forward. If guilt about not being able to do it all is limiting you, try to let some of that feeling go. Your mental and physical well-being is important, and getting a break every now and then will help you recharge and offer a better quality of care.

• Exercise patience. A hard sell can cause even the most open-minded individuals to bristle. It’s essential to keep the dialogue open and let developments happen at a comfortable pace. Practice patience and know you’re working toward a larger goal that will be beneficial to everyone involved.

As you continue to consider the possibilities of respite care, know that the team at Edgemere is always available as a resource. For more than 20 years we’ve been earning the trust of residents and their families in the Dallas, Texas, area. We’re here to answer your questions and help you come back from caregiver burnout.