Compassion fatigue is a phenomenon that can affect caregivers of any age. However, it can become particularly acute when taking care of aging parents. Senior caregivers must learn to protect themselves from the drain on psychological, physical, and mental resources that results from providing ongoing care for a chronically ill family member – or else face serious consequences in terms of their own well-being.
Here are some tips about managing compassion fatigue and burnout, courtesy of Senior Helpers Corpus Christi.
What is Compassion Fatigue?
Compassion fatigue happens a caregiver feels overwhelmed and exhausted due to caring for a patient or loved one. Asking for help or setting boundaries can be difficult for caregivers who want to ensure the best quality of life possible for their aging parents.
Still, it is essential that caregivers learn to recognize signs of compassion fatigue. This way, they can take steps to protect themselves from burnout. Warning signs of this condition include emotional exhaustion, indifference toward people in need, depression, physical malaise, increased irritability, withdrawal from social activities, insomnia, and nightmares.
Reach Out to Support Networks
Caregivers should not be afraid to seek help from support networks, such as senior care services like Senior Helpers. Seeking out family members or friends also helps in achieving an optimal balance between providing elderly care and leading a fulfilling life beyond the role of caregiver.
Finding local resources in communities can also provide much-needed assistance. These can help in understanding legal forms or managing day-to-day activities such as grocery shopping or transport to doctor's appointments.
Set Boundaries
It is important that senior caregivers find the strength to establish firm boundaries between themselves and their elderly loved ones. Even if a caregiver loves the senior they care for, it is equally important to be true to oneself.
Therefore, setting healthy boundaries may involve declining certain requests (or gently reminding the aged parent why it's not suitable). This can also include taking regular time off from caretaking duties and indulging in separate interests or activities when possible.
Practice Self-Care
Finally, self-care is a vital preventative measure against compassion fatigue and burnout. Incorporating pleasurable activities during the day – such as reading, listening to upbeat music, or enjoying nature — can provide temporary respite from providing care. These things can also replenish the senior caregiver's sense of well-being. Regular exercise is encouraged to boost physical fitness levels and combat stress due to overwork or exhaustion.
Prevent Compassion Fatigue With Senior Helpers
Overall, providing compassionate care to elderly family members can be a rewarding experience for the caregiver. However, it's just as important not to forget oneself in the process. Everyone needs help from time to time and senior caregivers who recognize danger signs associated with compassion fatigue are more likely than most others to avoid burnout in their line of work.
Seeking support networks, setting strict boundaries, and prioritizing self-care should all become part of a caretaker's normal routine from the outset of their duties.
Do you need some help in your duties as a senior caregiver? Reach out to Senior Helpers Corpus Christi. We offer compassionate care for seniors in the Corpus Christi, Rockport, Port Aransas, Portland, Refugio, Kingsville, Alice, Beeville, Robstown, and Mathis areas. Contact us today to learn more!