Caregiver Stress

Often, family members are the primary caregivers for ill and/or aging relatives. Likewise, many professionals dedicate a large portion of their time to caring for their patients and clients. Although many would prefer to have it no other way, the stress involved in such an unselfish, often long-term commitment can become staggering.

Burnout

People most prone to burnout are caregivers. Caregivers devote themselves to care for chronically ill or disabled clients. The work involved with caregiving is often overwhelming. Factors such as inadequate support, poor management and planning call play a role. When caregiver burnout occurs, a caregiver can become depressed and lose trust in others,. This may lead to detachment in relationships and even could cause them to fall apart. The symptoms of burnout can take months to surface and often are discovered by other people. If someone points out symptoms, listen before harm occurs to the recipient or you.

Family (Informal) Caregiver
An informal caregiver is a relative, partner, friend or neighbor who has a significant personal relationship with, and provides a broad range of assistance for, an older person or an adult with a chronic or disabling condition. These individuals may be primary or secondary caregivers and live with, or separately from, the person receiving care.

Formal Caregiver
A formal caregiver is associated with a formal service system. They may be a paid worker or a volunteer.

Common Difficulties Experienced by Caregivers

• Feeling overwhelmed
• Depression
• Physical and emotional exhaustion
• Increased frequency of illnesses
• Resentment

Caring for oneself is an essential element in your ability to provide continued care for someone else. All of the above issues can be addressed in therapy.

Additional Benefits of Counseling for Caregivers

• Find the strength to continue on
• Learn new ways to care for oneself
• Learn how to ask for and accept help and support
• Understand and work through negative feelings toward caregiving and the person receiving care

Resources

• Family Caregivers Program  (866) 843-9810
• Caregiver Stress  (888) 741-5172
• The Gathering Place & Memory Matters (920) 627-6847

Novo Counseling successfully works with individuals in caregiver roles. The therapeutic relationships developed with our clients become an integral part of caring for the caregiver.