Caregiver burnout: straight answers
Can caregiver burnout be prevented?
Cleveland Clinic suggests steps that help: someone you trust to talk to, realistic goals, time for yourself, and asking for help before it's too much.
Cleveland Clinic lists “some steps you can take to prevent caregiver burnout.” In its words:
- Find someone you trust. “It helps to talk about your feelings and frustrations with someone else, whether it be a friend, family member, mental health professional or social worker.”
- Set realistic goals. “Others might be able to help you with some tasks. If your workload gets overwhelming, reach out for help.”
- Learn more. “You may feel more comfortable providing care when you have the knowledge and understanding of the illness or condition that affects the person you’re caring for.”
- Take care of yourself. “Set aside time for yourself, even if it’s just an hour or two. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury. It’s an absolute necessity for caregivers.”
- Accept your feelings. Negative feelings like frustration or anger are “normal. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad person or a bad caregiver.”
Making those easier
- Time for yourself: respite care, and where to find it.
- Help with tasks: how to ask family, one specific thing at a time.
- Someone to talk to: free lines, any hour.
- Time off work: what the FMLA allows.
More questions caregivers ask
- What is caregiver burnout?
- How long does caregiver burnout last?
- Is it normal to resent caring for a parent?
- All the caregiver burnout questions
From Centis, a free care notebook you talk to. None of this is medical or legal advice.
Further reading
- Caregiver Burnout (opens in a new tab), from the Cleveland Clinic