Caregivers and burnout.
By taface412
@taface412 (3175)
United States
January 16, 2009 5:30pm CST
Have you ever been in the situation where you act as a caregiver for anyone? And not in the sense of total care, but even just helping them out on a day to day basis for the little things we all take for granted.
Do you ever experience burnout and feel lost in the mix? This is something that is becoming more and more common because many famliy members are living longer and are suffering from severe complications.
How do you alleviate the stress of not only running your own life, but those of your loved ones?
ANd to anyone who does this...it is a special thing for people to take the time to make sure others are healthy and compfortable. No matter how stressful it might be.
1 person likes this
6 responses
@BellasmamaTiff (2544)
• United States
16 Jan 09
I am caregiver to my neice, my sister in law, and will be the caregiver to her baby when its born as well. They however, are NOT disabled, but she simply chooses NOT to be her own caregiver, or the main caregiver for her children. Yes, I feel lost in the mix. But, will not let it go because of the kids. I will not walk away and force her to struggle because if I did that, it would leave 2 innocent, beautiful little girls all on their own. At 2 yrs and newborn. My heart and my conscience will not allow me to do that.
1 person likes this
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
16 Jan 09
My hats off to you! & Those lil girls are lucky to have a family member step up :)
@taface412 (3175)
• United States
17 Jan 09
It is very hard when you find yourself caught up in doing th right thing for others and dealing with all the stress involved. And with kids...good luck to you and keep your head up.
But make sure you occassionally make time for yourself, which I know is hard to do with every day feeling like it mixes into the next.
Thanks for responding.
@gitfiddleplayer (10362)
• United States
17 Jan 09
Those are tough situations and everybody needs a break. I have a friend who helps his mom take care of their dad since he lives in town. He helps and lets his mom go out and do stuff so she can still have a life outside of the home.
1 person likes this
@taface412 (3175)
• United States
20 Jan 09
That says a lot about a person who can recognize that their family needs them to help when someone is ill, even if it is only for a short break.
Thanks for responding.
@CinderInMySoul (4717)
• United States
17 Jan 09
i care for my 84 year old grandmother. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. and yes there are times when i get burnt out. i am the only one willing and able to be here for her though, so its my responsibility to do it. its either that or a rest home eventually, and i wont do that to her when im perfectly able.
i guess i play a lot of video games and read..a LOT lol!
thats about as much stress relief i ever get.
@taface412 (3175)
• United States
20 Jan 09
It is very hard when you are the only one...and hats off to you for doing what you do.
Thanks for responding.
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
17 Jan 09
I used to help out my mom who decided she to give up on doing for herself & ended up in a nursing home. My in-laws both have cancer now so they need help so until they get an inhome assesment we'll be helping them when they need it as to get some services FIL had to give up driving.
1 person likes this
@taface412 (3175)
• United States
17 Jan 09
I wish you and your family the best. And I am sure it was difficult for your FIL to give up that priviledge of driving. It's hard to take the keys away from anyone.
Thanks for responding. And I hope your mother is doing well in the nursing home.
@Shar19 (8236)
• United States
18 Jan 09
We've been going through this with my grandmother for the past five years or so. It does have it's difficult times but you have to remember that one day we may be in the same situation and have to depend on our loved ones to help us. The way I see it is this is the way God wants us to be, helping each other out.
@taface412 (3175)
• United States
20 Jan 09
That's the spirit. I look at it this way also I know deep down I could not be happy if someone I loved or loved me was suffering. Our parents always made sure we were happy, healthy and comfortable, so we should return the favor when they are in need.
It still is hard though when it actually happens. But if you have other family members it is a little less stressfull if you can switch up and have others to talk to about it.
Thanks for responding.
@pixiepink (54)
• United States
24 Jan 09
I have acted like a caregiver all my life it seems. As a young child I was responsible of taking care of my younger sister and brother. It seems to be embedded in the culture I grew up with. Then there were co-workers and my parents needing more help. When I grew older (and wiser I suppose)the stress and strain of wanting to give myself more attention just gets piling up. But I love helping people out especially family so what I did was time management. Just try to always squeeze in some time for myself. It worked though.
