3 Signs of Caregiver Fatigue

Caregivers give selflessly every day to people in need. Whether it’s a relative, a friend, or a paid position, caregivers spend themselves physically, emotionally, and mentally on their patients. But while they’re so busy caring for others, they may fail to care for themselves. This can lead to caregiver fatigue or even burnout.

It is essential to watch for signs of caregiver fatigue when you care for someone who is a caregiver. These things can manifest in different ways, but when you notice it, be careful to act, or the caregiver can become exhausted. This exhaustion can lead to chronic pain or other diseases that will prevent them from caring for others.

3 Signs of Caregiver Fatigue

Here are three signs of caregiver fatigue:

Frequent Absences

A caregiver suffering from caregiver fatigue may call the person in charge of their patient and tell them they cannot be there that day. Caregivers are responsible people who assume the patient’s physical care responsibilities, such as paying their bills and getting groceries.

If the caregiver is too tired to do the job, the patient will have to stay caught up on daily chores and responsibilities on their own. Additionally, caregivers suffering from caregiver fatigue may quit or only be there half-heartedly for their patients. This can lead to emotional outbursts such as crying or anger, taking it out of the patient, and is not good for either party.

If you find a caregiver frequently absent, arrange for them to take a short break or vacation to recharge their batteries. A caregiver who has cared for themselves physically and mentally will ultimately be better able to care for their relative or friend. The person who cares for the caregiver will help them maintain strength to meet the needs of the elderly or severely sick person.

Mental Health Issues

A caregiver who is too tired may become depressed or anxious when having to care for their patient. Because caregiving is highly taxing, a person may be unable to endure more days of caring for the patient without proper rest.

A person who is taxed mentally may find themselves suffering from depression or anxiety, which can cause them to take medication or seek professional help. While medication and therapy will benefit the caregiver, they may also limit their caregiving abilities.

Help the caregiver set boundaries by not going for the patient after a particular day or time. This will give them frequent rest and a break between days of work. This may also help curb any mental health issues that may emerge because they have gotten adequate rest and set boundaries between their personal and work lives.

Loss of Interest in Activities

A caregiver who usually wants to spend time doing special activities with the patient may find they no longer wish to do them. If this is the case, the caregiver may be suffering from burnout. Caregivers may lose interest in activities because it takes too much emotional and mental strength to go out for an activity. This will creep into the caregiver’s personal life as they may find they are too tired at the end of the day to want to participate in any personal recreation.

The caregiver who once took the patient out to do fun things is no longer doing them and may suffer from fatigue. Help them limit the activities to one a day, which will be easier for them mentally and emotionally. This will help give them time to rest in between while still enjoying the company of their caregiver and life itself.

Caregivers need adequate rest, healthy boundaries, and time away to prevent caregiver fatigue. Be the person in their life who helps them achieve these things.