When your grandparents, parents, and elderly relatives need you, you will be there for them. They’ve graciously provided care for you over the years, and now the roles reversed — they need your care and support as they age. What started as a loving act quickly can quickly feel overwhelming. They were always there to watch over you without hesitation, so of course you want to be there for them, but is the level of care they need above your capability?
Well, caring for elderly loved ones can be quite challenging and often leads to caregiver burnout. These feelings of stress and exhaustion can negatively impact your relationship with the person you’re caring for.
At this point, it may not be in the best interest of either you or your loved one if you continue to carry all the responsibility of caring for them. Assisted living and skilled nursing at a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), could reduce your symptoms of burnout and restore the stress-free, loving relationship you experienced with your parent or elderly relative before you started caring for them.
Signs of Caregiver Burnout
Caregiver burnout occurs when you’ve been caring for a loved one on your own. You are juggling your responsibilities as a parent, employee or employer, and caregiver. It’s a lot to handle by yourself, especially if you haven’t had any formal caregiver training. Over time, burnout will affect your ability to provide proper care.
The following symptoms of caregiver burnout may indicate it’s time to seek help in the care of your aging loved one:
- You feel like every decision you make is wrong and disappoints everyone.
- You are overwhelmed by even minor decisions.
- You experience feelings of resentment and frustration towards your elderly relative and other family members.
- You have become less committed to your caregiving responsibilities than you were when you first started.
- You lack interest in things that used to give you joy, such as reading or relaxing on the porch with your spouse.
- Your caregiving is affecting your duties at work.
- You’re experiencing caregiver stress in the form of headaches, body aches, and pain.
How Senior Living Communities Help Combat Burnout
You should not feel ashamed of your caregiver burnout. It’s impossible to provide all the care that one person needs alone, and every family caregiver will reach their limit. When you’re feeling stressed, don’t hesitate to seek help.
Consider a long-term senior living situation for your aging loved one. Senior living communities, such as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), have trained professionals available to provide a safe and caring environment for your loved one These type of facilities offer a spectrum of care, whether it be skilled nursing for those requiring 24-hour nursing care, personal care / assisted living for those who require a bit of assistance with their activities of daily living or respite care which provides caregivers a temporary rest from caregiving. These senior living options allow both you and your family member peace of mind, knowing they are in a welcoming and supportive community.
Avoid burnout and keep your relationship with your parent or elderly loved one positive by giving them the care and attention they need within a senior living community.
Relief for You, Care for Them
You are not alone in looking after your aging loved one. Professional support is right around the corner in our senior living community located in Newtown, PA — just minutes from Yardley, Northampton, Langhorne, Washington Crossing!
If you need help caring for your family member, get in touch with Pickering Manor. We have a variety of care options available to provide your loved one with the care they need and the independence they desire. Our Living Options Include: Independent Living, Personal Care, Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing and Memory Care (coming soon). Contact us today!
