As people age or develop serious conditions, they may rely on caregivers for help with bathing, meals, medication, and more. These carers play a vital role in your patients’ well-being, but it’s easy for their concerns to fall to the wayside.
When that happens, they may experience caregiver burnout symptoms, which could affect their ability to care for the patient (and themselves). They may become argumentative or anxious and face physical and mental health challenges.
Primary care physicians and other health professionals can prevent or ease these concerns. If you notice signs of caregiver burnout or someone asks for help, be prepared to offer education, referrals, and support as needed.
Causes of Caregiver Burnout
While caring for a loved one can be rewarding, it often comes with added stress. When that stress and fatigue go unaddressed, it can quickly lead to burnout and other issues.
It’s important to note that not all caregiver fatigue stems from the same cause. Some of the factors that may contribute to it include:
- Lack of resources: Many people who become caregivers to a family member or other adult often lack access to or are unaware of the resources available to them. These resources may include training, financial assistance, and skills development.
- Unrealistic expectations: Some carers believe that stepping into the role will have the most positive outcome. However, this is not always the case, and it may result in disappointment for the caregiver, patient, or both.
- Increased burden: Carers may not feel comfortable asking for help or know how to access it, leading them to believe that it’s solely on them to care for the patient. When combined with factors like their personal life, health, and job, caregiving can feel like a burden.
Additionally, many caregivers are “thrust” into the role without warning or direction. Without guidance, they may be unsure about how to manage their new role with their previous expectations as a spouse or child.
Signs and Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout
When interacting with a patient, doctors should look for signals of caregiver mental health concerns. Signs in the carer that could point to burnout include:
- Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried
- Sleep pattern disturbances
- Emotional outbursts or being easily irritated
- Significant weight gain or loss
- Feeling tired more often
- Frequent body aches or headaches
- Loss of interest in activities and social withdrawal
- Sadness or depression
- Difficulty concentrating and completing tasks
- Drug or alcohol misuse
A caregiver may also be in denial about their loved one’s condition, neglect their personal health, or express resentment.
It’s crucial to take action when they display these concerns to ensure the best possible outcome for your patient and their carer.
How You Can Help: Caregiver Burnout Resources
If you notice signs of distress, it’s imperative to provide support and resources. Managing caregiver stress is not easy, and the person may need more assistance than they realize.
Here are some things you can do to help with addressing or preventing caregiver burnout:
- Encourage carers to take breaks and ask for help from family, friends, or other sources
- Promote a healthy diet, preventative healthcare, and self-care for caretakers
- Conduct an assessment to see what kind of support the carer may need
- Make referrals to mental health therapists and support groups
- Provide information on respite care, home health, assisted living, and adult day care programs
- Develop a partnership with the caregiver by providing education or tips for taking care of the patient at home
- Assist them with creating a daily care plan
It may help to have resources available to distribute when needed, such as respite and eldercare locators or the Caregiver Help Desk. Regularly check in with carers to reassess their needs as time progresses.
Want to learn more about healthcare for older adults and their carers? Stay updated on the latest developments in diagnostics, treatments, and caregiver wellness with continuing medical education seminars!
