Understanding Burnout: Tips for the Caregiver
By members of the Network Health Care Management team
Allison Pahnke RN, care manager at Network Health
Katrina Getsfried CSW, social work care manager at Network Health
10/23/2024
Caring for a loved one can be a deeply rewarding experience as it strengthens your relationship, offers a sense of purpose and provides a peace of mind that your loved one is receiving excellent care. While many caregivers experience these benefits, it’s essential to recognize the significant emotional and physical toll it can take on caregivers.
The need for caregivers continues to grow. It is critical for caregivers to be aware of the signs of caregiver burnout and how to prevent it. Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that occurs from the stress of care responsibilities.
What Does Caregiver Burnout Look Like?
The signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout can include the following.
- Fatigue
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Feeling hopeless
- Changes in appetite/weight
- Frequent illnesses
- Sleep disturbances/insomnia
- Irritability or mood swings
- Anxiety and/or depression
If you are in crisis or feeling suicidal, immediate help is available via phone text or call to 988 or online at 988lifeline.org/get-help/
Caregiver burnout can happen to anyone. It occurs when the caregiver prioritizes the care recipients needs and neglects to care for themselves. This can be due to many reasons including constant stress, physical exhaustion, balancing demands of caregiving with other responsibilities, limited resources or support, and financial strain.
The impact of burnout can be felt by both the caregiver and the care recipient. The caregiver may experience physical and mental health decline, as well as social isolation. Care recipients might suffer decreased quality of care, emotional distress and increased reliance on institutional care.
What to Do If You Feel Burned Out
Providing care can come with emotional and practical barriers. Feelings of guilt and fear of the unknown can increase anxiety and stress for both the caregiver and the care recipient. The financial constraints, complexity of the current medical system and lack of available services can also lead to frustration.
It is important to remember you are not in this alone. There are many local and national agencies that specialize in providing free, unbiased information and resources.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers
- Long-term care options and respite services
- Caregiver support
- Dementia Care Specialists
- Health, nutrition, and home-delivered meals
- Transportation
- Housekeeping and chore services
- Benefit Specialists answer questions about Medicaid, Medicare, Private health insurance and Social Security
Aging and Disability Resource Centers serve every county and tribe in Wisconsin. Find yours at by calling 608-266-1865 or online at FindMyADRC.org.
Fox Valley Memory Project
- TLC Caregiver Support Group
- Dementia Capable Community Trainings
- Respite Groups
- Resource referral
- Free or low-cost social events such as Memory Cafés and “On a Positive Note” Dementia Chorus
Fox Valley Memory Project serves primarily the Fox River Valley and central Wisconsin with events in Brillion, Waupaca, New London, Fremont, Chilton, Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Kaukauna and Greenville. They can be contacted at 920-225-1711 or online at foxvalleymemoryproject.org.
Self-Care Tips for Caregivers
While caring for a loved one is a rewarding experience, caring for yourself will always be the most important thing you can do for them. You are their most valuable resource and as a caregiver, you must find time to maintain your own physical and mental well-being.
If you are starting to notice signs of caregiver burnout, try the following.
- Ask for help. Needing help doesn’t mean you are a bad caregiver. It takes emotional intelligence to recognize the need for help and it’s okay.
- Look into family-leave benefits from your place of work. Wisconsin Family Medical Leave provides unpaid leave for an employee’s serious health condition, the serious health condition of a parent, child or spouse.
- Allow yourself to take breaks, even if it’s just a 15-minute walk, trip to the hair salon or reading a chapter from a book.
- Accept help when it is offered. Whether it be a simple meal or offer to run an errand, allow people to help. This makes them feel good and can help with the mental load.
- Take care of your own physical and mental health. Keep your doctor appointments, take your medicines, exercise, pray, nap or meditate.
- Speak to your doctor or a counselor if you feel you need more support.
- Consider joining a support group. Connecting with others with a similar lived experience can be a helpful way to find support. Visit org/wi (Alzheimer's Association-Wisconsin Chapter) to find both in-person and virtual support group options for caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer's or other dementia.
Burnout is a common challenge for caregivers. Learning to recognize the signs and taking steps to prevent it will help you maintain your own well-being and ensure your loved one continues to receive excellent care. Maintain your own self-care, seek support, and seek professional help when needed.
If you have a health plan with us, Network Health care managers are available to assist you at no additional cost. To learn more about care management, call 866-709-0019 (TTY 800-947-3529) Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
