How to Handle Caregiver Burnout During the Pandemic?

There are lots of forms of burnout. Caregiver burnout arises when you’re providing constant support and support to a recipient who’s ill, suffering from chronic disease, or has some other form of handicap.

This pandemic has directed individuals to quickly assume the role of a caregiver with limited funds . This article assists in understanding the health professional fatigue and strategies to manage it.

What is caregiver burnout?

Unprecedented time that we’re in has taken a toll on us. The next wave brings with itself pain, greater nervousness, burnout and despair. Some are attempting to help others by spreading necessary and urgent information that can help save lives. While some are on the area making certain every individual is taken care of.

Times like these aren’t straightforward. Surviving through this is one of the most challenging situations each of us has confronted.

As the virus spreads, it increases the need for caregivers. Each of us is in certain ways supporting our loved ones and even strangers! Most individuals are taking care of people around them who are fighting COVID-19, and other illnesses like cancer & heart ailments.

Caregivers are those who take good care and encourage others physically, socially and emotionally. Although caregiving can be rewarding, usually caregivers undergo intense prolonged stress that affects their health.

Caregiver burnout is categorised as a condition of complete physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. This happens because of multiple requirements, lack of funds, less electricity and/ or absence of service. There are many factors that may lead to caregivers experiencing a burnout.

First factor is the ambiguity about your function and the way to best support the person, especially as many are not prepared for such duties.

Secondly factor is the lack of or limited resources such as money, professional support, skills, timing, hospitals or hospice and the external environment stability. At the current day, this factor is a significant contributor to burnout.

Third factor is the character of illness. Terminal, long-term illness and disability can result in putting in more hours and tools which may lead to caregiver burnout.

Fourth factor is your workload that you may experience. It can get tiring to juggle between caretaking, handling invoices & medications, arranging appointments together with managing your life.

Signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout 

Identifying signs of caregiver burnout can help you handle them. Knowing these signs can help in preventing or recognising it early before they lead to a burnout phase. Here are some hints:

Physical fatigue: Constant body aches, fatigue, feeling tired, regular debilitating headaches
Irregular immune system: Falling constantly sick or feeling unwell
Changes in appetite: Eating too much or very minor causes changes in fat
Sleep concerns: Changes in sleep patterns, distrubed sleep, or unfulfilling sleep
Isolation from other people: Avoiding relatives, friends, or coworkers. Not responding to messages/calls. Secluding from virtual and events meetups
reduction of interest: Losing interest in activities or tasks previously enjoyed. Deficiency of motivation to resume hobbies or even daily activities
Anxiety & depression: Constantly worrying about the individual, imagining the worst, or overthinking
Emotional changes: Feeling angry, frustrated, lashing out, and also becoming frequent discussions. Feeling worthless, helpless and despairing
Neglect of your health & priorities: Not shooting fractures, not following fundamental self-care and disregarding other responsibilities.

Stages of Caregiver burnout 

Stage One: Caregiver stress

Stress arises because of a sudden shift in the use of a caregiver. Handling the information, understanding therapy, gathering resources may result in extreme tension and worry. Along with anxiety, a caregiver might feel frustrated with the system and the process.

Stage two: Caregiver burnout 

As overwhelming feelings persist, prolonged stress leads to a state of breakdown. Neglecting of self in the process of caregiving, with limited or no support and isolation might increase.

Stage three: Compassion Fatigue

Compassion fatigue is a condition of physical and psychological collapse where the athlete / supporter has decreased ability to empathize towards the recipient. It’s a secondary stress reaction and causes severe emotional distress.

Ways to manage caregiver burnout

1 Emotional Regulation

As a caregiver, you experience various emotions. It’s important to understand, accept, and work through these emotions. Some frequent emotions include guilt, frustration, disappointment, resentment etc.. Healthy methods of outlet like artwork, journalling, meditation etc. can help in channelizing.

2 Self care

It is necessary to prioritize your health along with taking care of other(s). You cannot pour from an empty cup. Your health and wellbeing are equally important. Some self-care strategies may look like eating healthy food, after a routine as much as you can, modulating, and getting enough sleep.

#3 Seek Support

Caregiving is not a simple job which can be dealt with alone. Reach out to other people for Support. During pandemic this can look like having virtual psychological support, financial support, reducing the number of duties in home or office.

4 Physical movement

Despite the tiredness and weariness, it is vital to move your entire body and give it exercise. This helps in flexing the muscles, releasing the pain and aches. A few ways to get enough moves are climbing stairs, exercising, dancing, stretching, etc..

5 Support groups

Support groups are a great way to contact people going through similar experiences. This allows you to vent and discuss your experiences, learn or improve in your caregiving skills and strategies, and also make you feel much less lonely.

6 Professional help

Therapist makes it possible to express and manage emotional changes you will experience as a caregiver. They may help you in finding ways to reduce burnout, begin self maintenance and make small changes that are helpful in your lifetime.

Avoid caregiver burnout by feeling empowered

Feeling helpless is your number one contributor to burnout and depression. And it’s an easy trap to fall into as a health professional, especially if you are feeling stuck in a function you didn’t anticipate or helpless to change things for the better. However, no matter the situation, you are not powerless. This is particularly true when it comes to your frame of mind. You can not always get the additional time, money, or physical assistance you’d like, but you could always get more pleasure and hope.

Practice Approval. When faced with the unfairness of a loved one’s illness or the lack of caregiving, there is often a need to make sense of the scenario and ask”Why?” But you can devote an enormous amount of energy dwelling on things you can’t change and for that there are no clear answers. And at the end of the day, you won’t feel any better. Attempt to avoid the psychological trap of feeling sorry for your self or looking for someone to blame.

Embrace your caregiving choice Acknowledge that, regardless of any resentments or burdens you are feeling, you’ve made a conscious decision to provide care. Focus on the positive motives behind that decision. Perhaps you offer care to settle your parent for the care they gave you growing up. Or perhaps it’s due to your values or the case that you wish to place for your own children. These deep, meaningful motivations can help sustain you through difficult times.

Look for the silver lining. Consider the manners caregiving has made you stronger or how it’s brought you nearer to the person that you’re taking care of or to other relatives.

Don’t let caregiving take over your life. As it’s easier to accept a challenging situation when there are different areas of your life which are rewarding, it’s imperative not to let caregiving take over your whole existence. Invest in things that provide you meaning and purpose whether it’s your family, church, a popular hobby, or your own livelihood.

Focus on what you can control. You can not wish for more hours in the day or force your brother to help out more. Rather than stressing out over things you can not control, concentrate on how you choose to respond to problems.

Celebrate the tiny victories. If you start to feel frustrated, remind yourself that all your efforts matter. You do not have to fix your loved one’s illness to create a difference. Do not underestimate the importance of making your loved one feel more secure, comfy, and adored!

Get the appreciation you need

Feeling appreciated can go a long way toward not only accepting a stressful position, but enjoying life more. Studies show that caregivers who feel valued experience better physical and psychological health. Caregiving really makes them happier and healthier, despite its requirements. However, what can you do if the person you’re caring for is no longer able to feel or show their admiration for your efforts and time?

Imagine how your loved one would respond if they had been healthy. If they weren’t preoccupied with pain or illness (or disabled by dementia), how could your loved one feel about the love and attention you’re giving? Remind yourself that the person would say gratitude if they managed.

Applaud your efforts. If you are not getting outside validation, find ways to acknowledge and reward your self. Remind yourself of how much you’re helping. Should you require something more concrete, then try making a list of all of the methods your caregiving is making an enormous difference. Refer back to it once you start to feel low.

Speak with a supportive family member or friend. Positive reinforcement doesn’t need to come in the person you’re caring for. When you’re feeling stressed, turn to family and friends who’ll hear you and acknowledge your efforts.

Ask for caregiving help

Don’t attempt to do it .

Look into respite care. Enlist family and friends who live near one to run errands, deliver a hot meal, or see the patient so you can have a well-deserved break. Volunteers or paid aid can also provide in-home services, either occasionally or on a regular basis. Or you can research out-of-home respite programs like adult day care centres and nursing homes.

Talk up. Do not expect family and friends members to automatically understand exactly what you need or how you’re feeling. Be up front about what’s happening with you and the individual that you are caring for. If you have thoughts or concerns regarding how to improve this situation, express themeven when you’re unsure of how they will be received. Begin a dialogue.

Spread the responsibility. Attempt to get as many family members involved as you can. Even someone who lives far away can help. You may also wish to divide up caregiving tasks. One person can look after healthcare responsibilities, another with financing and bills, and another with markets and errands, for instance.

Set up a regular check-in. Ask a family member, friend, or volunteer from your own church or senior center to call you at a regular time (daily, weekly, or as often as you think you want it). This individual is able to help you spread status updates and coordinate with other household members.

Say”yes” when someone provides assistance. Do not be bashful about accepting help. Let people feel good about supporting you. It is smart to have a list prepared of little jobs that others may easily take care of, such as picking up groceries or forcing your loved one to an appointment.

Be eager to relinquish some controller. Delegating is one thing, trying to control every aspect of care is another. People will be less likely to help if you micromanage, give orders, or insist on doing things your own way.

Give yourself a break

As a busy caregiver, leisure time may look like an impossible luxury. However, you owe it to yourself–as well as to the person you’re caring for–to split it into your schedule. Give yourself permission to rest and to do things which you like on a daily basis. You’ll be a better caregiver for it.

If you’re not regularly shooting time-off to de-stress and recharge your batteries, you’ll end up accomplishing less in the long term. After a break, you should feel more energetic and focused, so you’re going to quickly make up for your relaxation time.

Maintain your own personal relationships. Don’t allow your spirits get lost in the shuffle of caregiving. These relationships will help sustain you and help you to stay positive. When it’s difficult to leave the home, invite friends over to visit with you over coffee, tea, or supper.

Share your own feelings. The simple act of expressing what you’re going through can be quite cathartic. Sharing your feelings with friends or family won’t make you a burden to others. In fact, the majority of people will probably be flattered that you trust them enough to confide in them, and it is going to only strengthen your bond.

Prioritize activities that bring you pleasure. Make regular time for hobbies that bring you joy, whether it’s studying, working at the garden, tinkering in your workshop, knitting, playing with the puppies, or watching the match.

Find ways to pamper yourself. Light candles and take a very long bath. Ask your partner to get a back rub. Buy fresh flowers for the home. Anything that makes you feel special.

Make yourself laugh. Laughter is a great antidote to stress–and also a little goes a long way. Read a funny book, see a comedy, or phone a friend who makes you laugh. And if you can, try to find the humor in everyday circumstances.

Escape the Home. Seek out friends, loved ones, and respite care providers to step in with caregiving so you can have some time off from your home.

Take care of your own health

Think of your body like a car. With the right fuel and proper maintenance, it will operate reliably and well. Neglect its maintenance and it’ll begin to give you trouble. Don’t increase the strain of your caregiving situation with avoidable health anxieties.

Keep on top of your doctor visits. It’s easy to forget about your health when you’re busy with a loved one’s care. Don’t skip check-ups or health care appointments. You have to be healthy to be able to take good care of your family .

Exercise. When you are tired and stressed, the last thing you feel like doing is exercising. But you’ll feel better later. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes most days–break this up to three 10-minute sessions if that is easier. If you exercise regularly, you’ll also discover it boosts your energy level and helps you combat fatigue.

Practice a relaxation technique. A daily relaxation or meditation practice can help you relieve stress and enhance feelings of joy and well-being. Even a few minutes in the center of an overwhelming day can help you feel more centered.

Eat well. Nourish your body with fresh fruit, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats like nuts, fish, and olive oil. Unlike caffeine and sugar –that provide a fast pick-me-up and a much faster crash–these foods will fuel you with steady energy.

Do not skimp on sleep. Cutting back time in bed is counterproductive–at least if your purpose is to attain more. Most people want more sleep than they believe (8 hours is the standard ). When you receive less, your mood, vitality, productivity, and capacity to handle stress will endure.

Conclusion 

With the increase in need for healthcare service because of COVID-19, most of us are caring for family, friends and near ones. This makes it crucial to understand the effect it generates and how to prevent it from inducing a fatigation. Taking care of own wellbeing and health lowers the burden and facilitates better maintenance to recipients.