What is Caregiver Burden?
Every caregiver may experience a caregiver burden.
This is a phenomenon where the carer goes through a cumulative emotional, physical, and financial toll over a period of time.
Some factors that contribute to the burden may include heavy workload, pressure, and/or responsibility.
Some people confuse caregiver burden with caregiver burnout. Burden is due to the weight of responsibility of caregiving.
Such pressure is what can cause caregiver burnout. This means that as responsibilities and burden of caregiving increases, the risk of burnout also increases.
To reduce the chance of burnout and minimise caregiver burden, you need to recognise its signs.
So here are 4 common signs of caregiver burden:
1. Feeling Overwhelmed
If your loved elder is suddenly discharged from a care facility, or needs care 24/7, you will feel overwhelmed by the care you need to provide. And in cases where the person receiving care lives with Alzheimer’s or dementia, the caregiver burden can be even greater.
2. Limited Guidance or Training
In many cases, family caregivers start providing care without much preparation. They are often given little instruction or guidance on how to properly take care of the elderly. This can contribute to the carer feeling worried and clueless about taking on the duties and feeling burdened.
3. Financial and Work Strain
It is hard to ignore the financial toll caregiving takes on families. Due to the many hours demanded to take care of the older adult, carers are often forced to minimise or leave their jobs. This tightens their budget, making everyday living even more challenging.
4. Lack of Support
There are some caregiver assistance programs available, but finding the right one, or even taking the initiative to attend one can be difficult. Also, if there are not many options for community-based support, the carer may feel helpless in carrying the burden of a caregiver.
We understand that caregiving is a difficult and challenging job.
At Living Waters Aged Care, we provide free carer stress assessment for a healthier and more enjoyable life for both you and your loved one.
Please contact us now for help.
