Join Alyssa from St. Croix Hospice to learn ways you can take care of yourself to avoid caregiver burnout.
Stressed caregivers may experience that fatigue, that anxiety, or even some of that depression. Here are some ways that we can avoid that caregiver burnout. Set realistic goals and turn to others to help. Develop new tools for coping.
I'm back again. Alyssa, manager of bereavement services with St. Cray Hospice. We're going to talk a little bit more about what caregiver burnout is and how to avoid it if you missed part one, we talked about caregiver burnout and the symptoms, so go back and check that out if you wanted to know more about those symptoms of caregiver burnout. Again, as a reminder, caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. Stressed caregivers may experience that fatigue, that anxiety, or even some of that depression.
They're going to neglect their own needs and have feelings of guilt for spending time on themselves. And it's okay to feel that way. But here are some ways that we can avoid that caregiver burnout. First, let's make sure that we set realistic goals. Accept that you may need help and turn to others to help, whether that's family, friends, or even the hospice support that you may be receiving. Second, lets find someone you trust to talk about your feelings and frustrations with. Again, that is, your family, your friends, or even other professionals, including counselors.
Three, take time to care for yourself. Four, make sure that you educate yourself on the disease, the plan of care, and the prognosis of your loved one. This will definitely help you understand that process as you come along. Five, develop new tools for coping and accepting your feelings. Again, these are all ways that you can avoid that caregiver burnout. But again, let's check back at that first video if you need some of those symptoms.
