Coping with Caregiver Burnout: Practical Tips and Strategies

Anyone who has provided care for someone else other than themself, will know how exhausting it can be. Whilst it can be very rewarding and filled with special moments, carer burnout is REAL!

What is carer burnout? It’s a term used for the feeling of an exhausted carer. When you get to the point that you feel you can’t go on - you’re past burnout!

Signs of burnout: Easily frustrated/flustered, feelings of hopeless or helplessness, feeling like you’re getting angry quickly, feeling exhausted/tired, lack of interest in things you normally enjoy - and the list goes on!

What can we do to avoid burnout or deal with it? For the people in the back - PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE! So in order to avoid burnout we need to make use of supports around us. Support groups, psychologists, friends, family, journalling, helplines, respite care (even if it is just a few hours!). All of these supports can help us to avoid the feeling of burnout. Seek help while you are ahead! If you feel you may already be burnt out, don’t wait, act on it quickly. Book your loved one into respite, get a referral to a psychologist, reach out to family and friends and seek support and guidance, call a helpline and debrief (1800 100 500 is the National Dementia Helpline number here in Australia, they will answer the phone 24hrs a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year). Just remember, no one knows how you’re feeling unless you tell them.

Remember, what you’re doing is a superhuman role and even on the days where you break down crying and want to give up - you’re crushing it!

Most importantly, you cannot look after someone else if you don’t look after yourself first! Self care is a must.

Until next time. Take care,

Jess