Earlier this month, caregiving advocate and community educator Carolyn Schick shared her experience as a longtime caregiver for her own parents, particularly highlighting how Jolene Brackey’s book, Creating Moments of Joy, transformed her approach to dementia care.
Schick shared innovative methods she used to connect with her mother and explored how intentionally creating moments of joy, even during difficult times, can foster deeper connections with loved ones living with dementia.
However, caregiving can also be physically and emotionally taxing, and can lead to burnout without appropriate support.
Caregiver Burnout: Signs & Symptoms
There are three stages to caregiver burnout – stress and frustration, burnout and isolation, and compassion fatigue.
Stress and Frustration
- Lack of sleep/difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Consistent headaches and other physical pain
- Feeling worried
- Easily losing patience
- Issues with memory and concentration
Burnout and Isolation
- Procrastinating
- Lack of energy
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Inability to relax and rest
- Depending on caffeine for sources of energy
- Experiencing resentment
Compassion Fatigue
- Feeling exhausted
- Turning away from activities you previously enjoyed
- Digestive issues
- Feeling helpless or hopeless all the time
Caregiver Resources and Alternatives
Exploring other caregiving resources and alternative care options can help ensure the best care for your loved one.
Private-duty homecare like Charles E. Smith Life Communities partner SmithLife® HomeCare can be one option to provide additional in-home support when and where it’s needed, whether with personal care, companionship or even help completing household chores.
Adult daycare or respite care centers can offer a safe, supervised and enriching environment for older adults while also giving family caregivers a break. State or local funding may be available for respite care.
Assisted living or memory care residences can offer 24/7 professional health care and social support for a loved one who needs a greater level of care. At Charles E. Smith Life Communities, our assisted living residence Landow House and award-winning assisted living memory care residence Cohen-Rosen House are great options.
If you are considering assisted living or memory care for your loved one, Charles E. Smith Life Communities can help. Call us or schedule a tour today.
