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Writer's pictureNitara Rebello

On Caregiving and Burnout


Caregiving is the process of providing care for someone that is unable to care for themselves. The care may include addressing the physical and emotional needs of someone that requires continuous support and attention. While caregiving can be a rewarding experience, it can also be incredibly stressful as it involves having to juggle multiple responsibilities in addition to caregiving such as managing their own work and family obligations, and dealing with the emotional challenges of caring for someone.

When caregiving duties go out of hand, this can lead to caregiver burnout. It emerges as a result of the extensive time and diverse care requirements demanded by ageing parents or loved ones in need. It stems from the multitude of roles and obligations that family caregivers take on. The repercussions of caregiving burnout are profound, manifesting in physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion.

What are some telltale signs of caregiver burnout?


As a caregiver, recognizing burnout is akin to finding your way through a challenging maze. Caregivers often hesitate to admit they may struggle with their roles, fearing it might imply they can't fulfil their responsibilities. Caregivers often put their own needs on the back burner, unintentionally plunging into a whirlwind of stress and neglect. Below are ways the fatigue can show up:

Imagine feeling like you've run a marathon with no finish line, too exhausted to rest. This is what endless fatigue with caregiving looks like.

Worry looks like our mind weaving intricate webs of anxiety, constantly tracking never-ending "to-do" lists.

Picture heavy, foggy and cloudy weather indicating despair, that casts doubt over any potential improvement in the situation.

Picture mood swings like a turbulent sea, moments of calm followed by emotional storms.

Sometimes, this can also look like a Jenga tower of composure that topples with the slightest unexpected event.

Think of voices raised in frustration or anger, echoing through the caregiving journey.

Envision an hourglass with no "me" time, only caregiving duties piling up.

Imagine a thankless task, where expectations weigh heavy and demands never cease.

Burnout may feel like an intricate maze, but with the right guidance, caregivers can navigate toward a path of self-care and well-being.

What leads to caregiver burnout?

In a lot of cases, caregivers lack support from other members of the family. The entire onus falls upon that single person. This could either be because they are unwilling to, or unable to. In joint families, sometimes the trend of family members being unwilling is common. Another common example is when siblings live far away and have their own demanding lives, making it difficult for them to contribute their care.

Financial constraints can also limit your ability to provide the level of care you wish for your loved one. For example, you may not be able to afford in-home nursing care or the cost of specialised medical equipment.


Sometimes, denial plays a role, and leads us to holding the belief that love and care could significantly improve a loved one's condition. However, when dealing with conditions like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, or other terminal illnesses you might come to realise that your efforts can't reverse the course of the disease. Witnessing the deterioration of your loved one's health can be disheartening and can also cause one to feel anticipatory grief. may leave you feeling unappreciated.


Being thrust into the role of a caregiver while still maintaining your role and other identities as a family member can be taxing. For instance, you may struggle to balance your responsibilities as a daughter or son with the demanding tasks of caregiving for your ageing parent and with working a full time job. Often, taking on dual roles can lead to internal conflicts and a sense of incongruence as one battles between their identity and expectations set on them.


Often disagreements between family members can occur with regard to taking the best course of action for the person in need. For example, you might have disagreements with siblings about whether to move your parents to a nursing home, old age home or just have them at home. In a workplace context, you might encounter bureaucratic obstacles that hinder your ability to take time off to care for your loved one, causing additional stress.

In essence, these challenges can make caregiving an emotionally and physically taxing experience. Recognizing these difficulties and seeking support from healthcare professionals, support groups, and friends can help alleviate some of the burdens associated with caregiving.


How can one balance the act of caregiving?


In the world of caregiving, a delicate dance unfolds. Caregivers, driven to assist, often hesitate to initiate conversations with their ageing parents regarding care needs, roles, and responsibilities. On the other side of the stage, care recipients, be they ageing parents or spouses, often bask in the luxury of receiving assisted living-type care in the comfort of their homes without having to lift a finger. It's a tempting arrangement, but it's a challenge that can lead to the dreaded caregiver burnout.

Imagine a seesaw, where balance is the key. Caregiving, ideally, should be a 50/50 partnership whenever possible. However, ageing parents often refuse to discuss their care needs. They deem the conversation "too much" and deploy delay tactics, commonly saying, "Let's talk about this another time." These delays, like simmering pots on a stove, only fuel frustration for caregivers until the situation reaches a boiling point.

In the rhythm of caregiving, uncomfortable conversations are the choreography. When these vital discussions are postponed, anxiety and anger arise. The "silent treatment" adds to the pressure, setting the stage for emotional outbursts.


Tips to Manage Burnout

Involving Others in Home Care:

Stepping back from intense caregiving involvement can be tough. Caregivers often feel guilty, doubting if others can provide the same level of care, and worry that responsibilities won't be met. Create a caregiving calendar with others to schedule helpers, allowing the primary caregiver to manage rather than provide all direct care.

Task lists for each visit, including daily routines and meal preparation, can provide "time relief" for the main caregiver, potentially reducing burnout.

Day Programs:

Consider day programs for older adults who can be home alone during evenings. These programs offer meals, medication management, and activities, possibly being more cost-effective than in-home care. They can be a transitional step for those wanting to remain at home longer.

Explore Care Communities:

If involving others or day programs aren't feasible, discuss care community options. Increased participation at home may be an alternative, but in some cases, moving to a care community might be the best choice.

Taking Action to Alleviate Burnout:

Caregiving burnout can be prevented by planning and seeking outside support. Realize you can set healthy boundaries, allowing for self-care and regaining control of your life. Small daily steps and connecting with other caregivers through support programs can help overcome burnout. Remember, you're not alone in this journey.



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