Ways To Help Someone Who Is Experiencing "Caregiver Burnout"

​"Caregiver Burnout" according to WebMD "is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that may be accompanied by a change in attitude -- from positive and caring to negative and unconcerned".   I can bet if I asked for a raise of hands of those who know someone who is caring for an ill spouse or child or elderly parent(s) a large majority  would raise their hand.   Half of those who raise their hand could possibly be one who is the caregiver. 
Why is this so important?  Being a caregiver is exhaustive work both physically and mentally day in and day out.  Caregivers do not get a break unless they are fortunate enough to have committed family and friend support.  Even then a caregiver can get overwhelmed.  How can you know if someone you love, whether friend or family member, is showing signs of burnout?  Here are just a few signs to look for:

• pulling away for social interaction with friends or family
• loss of sleep
• getting sick a lot
• outbursts of anger
• more emotional than normal

Caregivers don't want to be a burden.  Most will not ask for help.  So how can we help when they won't ask?  

• Don't tell her to call you if she needs something.  More than likely she will not call you.  Look for needs and take care of them.  She will be so thankful that she didn't have to ask.
• Look for things that need to be done.  Does their yard need to be mowed?  Do they have animals that need taken care of?   Do children need to be picked up from school?  Do they need meals?  Does their car need to be filled with gas?  Does the house need to be vacuumed, dishes washed, bathrooms cleaned?
• Going to the grocery store?  Let her know and pick up what she needs also.
• Set up a schedule for friends to take an hour of watch so the she can take a break. 

Massage therapy sessions are a wonderful way to help caregivers get rid of some of the stress and anxiety that builds up  due to 24/7 caregiving.  Ladies, gather a group of friends or co-workers and buy massage package(s) and then arrange for someone to sit with your friend's loved one while she receives her massage(s).  Massage sessions can take place in the home so she can relax knowing she is not far from her loved one and that her loved one is being watched over.  What a beautiful and cherished gift a massage package can be to your friend going through  a difficult time.  Embrace Life! Therapeutic Massage is here to offer gentle, relaxing, and  therapeutic massages to your friend or loved one during their time of need.  Visit our website at www.embracelifemassage.com.
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--Alicia Lingenfelter, LMT, CMLDT, OMT
​   Embrace Life Therapeutic Massage ​