Caregiver Burnout

What is a Caregiver?

A caregiver is any person who provides support to one or more members of their immediate circle, meaning someone with whom they share an emotional bond as a family or otherwise. They support and care for a person who has a temporary or permanent physical, psychological, psychosocial or other incapacity, regardless of their age or living environment.

This support can be continuous or occasional, short or long-term, and is provided in an informal, non-professional way, meaning it is free. It can take many forms, such as transportation, assistance with personal care and housekeeping, or emotional support.

Examples of Caregiving:

• Parents who support a child with a physical or intellectual disability by organizing and taking them to medical appointments or setting up exercises to stimulate their development.
• A spouse who support their partner with Alzheimer's disease by preparing their meals or administering treatment.
• A child or children who support their parents with age-related physical disabilities by helping them manage their personal finances or accompanying them to do errands.
• A person who is helping take care of an Elder in their community.

What is Caregiver Burnout?

While being a caregiver can be immensely rewarding, it also represents a set of unique challenges, and can take a significant toll emotionally, physically, or financially. This sometimes limits a caregiver’s capacity to take care of their own physical and mental health or to fulfill their other social and family responsibilities.

Burn out is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that happens while you’re taking care of someone else. Because you feel good about helping someone, you may not even recognize the signs of burnout when they start.

Signs and Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout

The signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout include:

• Emotional and physical exhaustion.
• Withdrawal from friends, family and other loved ones.
• Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy.
• Feeling hopeless and helpless.
• Changes in appetite and/or weight.
• Changes in sleep patterns.
• Inability to concentrate.
• Getting sick more often.
• Irritability, frustration or anger towards others.

Preventing Caregiver Burnout

Here are some steps you can take to guard against burnout:

• Set realistic goals: If you are trying to balance other responsibilities with work and family, accept that you need help.  Be open to allowing others to help you with some tasks. Set a routine, know your limits and be honest with yourself about your situation. If your workload gets overwhelming, reach out for help.
• Accept your feelings. Feeling frustrated or angry about your responsibilities or the person you care for is normal. If you are feeling overwhelmed, reach out for help.
• Take care of yourself: While you’re taking care of someone else, make sure your needs are met first. Take time for yourself, even if it’s just an hour or two every day. Taking care of yourself is very important.
• Talk to someone you trust. Confiding in a trusted friend or family member about your experience can help you feel more supported and understood.

Where Can I Get Help?

Here are some resources that can help prevent caregiver burnout:

• Reach out to your local CMC to connect with doctors, nurses, community workers, and/or social workers, who can refer you and/or your loved one to the resources you need.
• Call the Wîchihîwâuwin helpline. It provides a safe and confidential space for people who need to talk on the phone about any difficult situation concerning their wellbeing. Cree speakers and traditional healers are also available upon request. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-833 632-Help (4357).