Caregiver Burn-Out

By: Melody Rabor-Dizon

 

It has been known to the healthcare community that Filipinos are the best caregivers. I often wonder why that is so? Is it because we are innately good and caring people? Is it because it has been ingrained in our heads that we need to take care of the elderly? Is it because the need to provide for the whole family is so great that Filipinos somehow give their best to their job to keep their job? Or is the pay good enough to be one?

Given that we all are warm people, even hospitable to strangers, the knack for caring the elderly just comes naturally. Question is, at to what cost, even at the expense of being far away from our loved ones?

I would like to think that given all these scenarios, no matter how true they are, we have the option to walk away. But we don’t. Filipinos have a stronger sense of family value. We are the type of people who are willing to sacrifi ce a lot for the better good.

I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight our kababayans who are caregivers in our community. I have such high respect for them knowing what it took for them to do the job. And even if we are forced to take the job, we learn more about it and we put our hearts into it. And truly that makes us exceptional people. I see this day in and day out If there is anything I can offer to relieve, preserve or strengthen our caregivers -it will be about AWARENESS regarding being overburdened or knowing what a caregiver burn out symptoms are. So here are tips for taking care of yourself too:

As the population ages, more caregiving is being provided by people who aren’t health care professionals. About 1 in 3 adults in the United States provides care to other adults as informal caregivers.

WHAT IS A CAREGIVER

A caregiver is anyone who provides help to another person in need, such as an ill spouse or partner, a disabled child, an aging relative, a sick employer. However, family members who are actively caring for an older adult often don’t self-identify as a “caregiver.” Recognizing this role can help caregivers receive the support they need.

• Caregiving is rewarding but stressful

• Being there when a loved one needs you is a core value and something you wish to provide.

Caregiver stress — the emotional and physical stress of caregiving — is common. People who experience caregiver stress can be vulnerable to changes in their own health.

Risk factors for caregiver stress include:

• Being female

• Having fewer years of formal education

• Living with the person you are caring for

• Social isolation

• Having depression

• Financial diffi culties

• Higher number of hours spent caregiving

• Lack of coping skills and diffi culty solving problems

• Lack of choice in being a caregiver

SIGNS OF CAREGIVER STRESS

As a caregiver, you may be so focused on your patient that you don’t realize that your own health and well-being are suffering. Watch for these signs of caregiver stress:

• Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried

• Feeling tired often

• Getting too much sleep or not enough sleep

• Gaining or losing weight

• Becoming easily irritated or angry

• Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy

• Feeling sad

• Having frequent headaches, bodily pain or other physical problems

• Abusing alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications

Too much stress, especially over a long time, can harm your health. As a caregiver, you’re more likely to experience symptoms of depression or anxiety. In addition, you may not get enough sleep or physical activity, or eat a balanced diet — which increases your risk of medical problems, such as heart disease and diabetes.

STRATEGIES FOR DEALING WITH CAREGIVER STRESS

It’s so important to take advantage of the many resources and tools available to help you provide care for the sick person. Remember, if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to care for anyone else.

To help manage caregiver stress:

• Accept help. Be prepared with a list of ways that others can help you, and let the helper choose what he or she would like to do.

• Focus on what you are able to provide. It’s normal to feel guilty sometimes, but understand that no one is a “perfect” caregiver. Believe that you are doing the best you can and making the best decisions you can at any given time.

• Set realistic goals. Break large tasks into smaller steps that you can do one at a time. Prioritize, make lists and establish a daily routine. Begin to say no to requests that are draining

• Get connected. Many communities have classes specifi – cally about the disease your patient is facing.

• Join a support group. A support group can provide validation and encouragement, as well as problem- solving strategies for diffi cult situations. People in support groups understand what you may be going through. A support group can also be a good place to create meaningful friendships.

• Seek social support. Make an effort to stay well-connected with family and friends who can offer nonjudgmental emotional support. Set aside time each week for connecting, even if it’s just a walk with a friend.

• Set personal health goals. For example, set goals to establish a good sleep routine, fi nd time to be physically active on most days of the week, eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water.

• See your doctor. Get recommended vaccinations and screenings. Make sure to tell your doctor that you’re a caregiver. Don’t hesitate to mention any concerns or symptoms you have.

RESPITE CARE

Taking a break can be one of the best things you do for yourself — as well as the person you’re caring for. Most communities have some type of respite care available, such as: In-home respite. Health care aides come to your home to provide companionship, nursing services or both. Adult care centers and programs. Some centers provide care for both older adults and young children, and the two groups may spend time together. Short-term nursing homes. Some assisted living homes, memory care homes and nursing homes accept people needing care for short stays while caregivers are away.

So to our Kababayan caregivers: give time to yourself, take a break, prioritize your health too. As what they always say, you cannot give what you do not have. Be mindful with what you are doing. Set boundaries what is acceptable and not acceptable to you. I know sometimes, it is the MIGHTY DOLLAR, that decides for us, sometimes though it is not about the money anymore. I know you know that. Surround yourself with friends, meet other people too and celebrate every little victory you accomplish. I am your #1 CHEERLEADER. You got this.

MELODY DIZON, RN -your advocate