Prevention
How to Prevent Caregiver Burnout
Think of a campfire. If left unattended while wind fans the flames, the fire will burn fast and furious until it's out. But when the fire is tended and fed and groomed, it can burn virtually forever.
To avoid caregiver burnout, be sure to attend to your personal needs for rest, nutrition, exercise, fun and relaxation. Caring for yourself can help you avoid burnout, and it's the first step toward recovery when burnout has already set in. If you're experiencing the symptoms, the following steps can aid in diffusing bunrout:
- Schedule some "me" time. Get out of the house and do something for yourself. Meet a friend for coffee, take in a movie, go for a walk, or sit in the park. (Hint: this is not a time to run errands or shop for groceries.)
- Say no to guilt. Accept right now that you are doing the very best you can do, and banish the word "should" from your vocabulary.
- Ask for help. Share your thoughts and feelings with a friend. Seek the support of other parents of children with special needs. (United Cerebral Palsy has a list of resources and support groups by state.)
- If you are a working caregiver, counseling may be provided as part of your health insurance package even if it is an HMO. Many health insurance providers use a subcontractor to provide counseling services, so you may not see a listing in your health insurance directory. Call your health insurance provider. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP's), for those companies that offer them, may also cover counseling.
- If you are age sixty or over, you may qualify for counseling under the Older Americans Act, Title III-B. Counseling may be available to the person for whom you are caring, also, if needed. These services are usually available without a long wait.
- The National Family Caregiver Support Program provides counseling for eligible caregivers of any age. Other government funding may cover the cost of counseling for active clients.
Identify the symptoms of caregiver burnout.
Learn the causes of caregiver burnout.
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