Caregiver Burnout Resources Available
What Is Caregiver Burnout?
Caregiver burnout or caregiver fatigue refers to mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion developed as a result of the responsibilities of supporting and caring for another individual. “Caregivers often focus so intently on the needs of the individual receiving care that they may neglect their own health and wellness,” says Darren Sush, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist in Los Angeles. They may misunderstand burnout as nothing more than normal exhaustion.
However, caregiver burnout is not as easily resolved as normal tiredness. “Individuals who experience caregiver burnout tend to face an all-encompassing fatigue that impacts multiple areas of their lives,” Sush continues.
Importantly, caregiver burnout can happen to anyone who is providing care for another person, whether it’s hands-on care, occasional care, or long-distance care. According to Zina Paris, MSW, associate director of Clinical Services at Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, it can even happen at the managerial level. “It happens when you feel that the experience of caregiving is overwhelming and that you do not have the support – physically, mentally, emotionally, financially – that you need in order to successfully care for the person and to take care of yourself adequately at the same time,” she says.
For more information check out the link below or to contact someone who can help.