Caregiving is certainly one of the most fulfilling and rewarding activities a person can undertake, but every so often it may take a toll on the carer, who spends so much of their time attending to the needs of others that they may neglect their own wellbeing. Caregiver stress benefits nobody, as the carer’s passion is diminished, and the client is unlikely to receive the best of care.
Self-Care: An Essential Tool to Prevent Caregiver Burnout
A highly common issue among caregivers, burnout is defined by HelpGuide.org as a “state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress”. It is often brought about by feelings of being overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. Common warning signs of caregiver burnout to look out for include a lack of energy, irritability, a decline in the standard of care being provided, and the loss of job satisfaction.
Self-Care Tips for Carers
We have created an infographic on the serious matter of self-care for people who provide caregiving services. This handy guide reveals how they can look after themselves when needed and lays out some advice on how to handle difficult caregiving moments. It provides some practical pointers for non-caregivers on how to help family carers.
