Elder Care: When Caring for Aging Parents, Watch Out for Signs of Caregiver Burnout

What is a "caregiver"? Someone who is involved in helping someone else manage to carry out the tasks of day-to-day living.

Let's be upfront. Being a caregiver is a tough job. Being a caregiver to aging parents is even tougher. Not that we don't love them. Of course we do, or trust me, we would not undertake the caregiver role.

It's stressful because of the family dynamics of a lifetime. The emotions and memories, happy or sad, have a way of coming to the surface when least expected. Who knew that providing TLC to loved ones could be this stressful? How stressful is it? Well, caregivers are at an increased risk of depression and burnout.

Symptoms of both tend to mimic each other. One contributes to the other. Sort of the age-old puzzle..."Which comes first? The chicken or the egg?"

~~~Signs of Caregiver Burnout~~~

**depression
**anxiety
**irritability
**anger
**exhaustion
**self criticism
**apathy toward usual activities
**trouble at work
**trouble in relationships
**substance abuse
**feeling overwhelmed

~~~Things To Do For You~~~

**always talk with your doctor
**vent to support network
**speak with therapist
**call local senior service organizations
**utilize programs to assist caregivers
**join support groups
**arrange "home care" visitors
**get respite care
**do not neglect nutrition
**try to get at least 7 hours of sleep a night
**take time to do something you enjoy
**you must find humor in everyday events

Of course, each caregiver has a different situation. Some may be handling the responsibilities from thousands of miles away. Coordinating and managing elder care over the phone and making visits.

Some live near enough to try to run two households. And, others have one or both aging parents reside with them. Whichever caregiver role you are in charge of, you have to take care of yourself.

And I know it's way easier for someone to offer well-meaning advice than it is to carry out. But you have to try. Depression and burnout are serious conditions. How sad and unfair to have this happen to you when you are trying to make the last years of an aging parent as pleasant as possible...

(c) 2007 Karen Cook

For more caregiving information, drop by http://incareofparents.blogspot.com

Karen Cook works in a Public Library where she helps caregivers find information and resources.
Karen also was sole caregiver to her mother, who resided with her for years until her death in 2006.