Getting Help to Prevent Caregiver Burnout

Know your limits...

• Many factors influence just how much you are willing and able to accept as a caregiver - your personality, your values, your culture, your family expectations and your supports.
  • If you care for a person with mainly physical needs, the strain on you may be mostly physical, and relieved with rest.
  • If you care for someone who is memory impaired, or whose behaviour is unpredictable or disruptive, the mental strain can be round the clock.
• How do you know you have reached your limit? Are you comparing yourself to another caregiver?
• Only you will determine how you feel and what you can do well.
• Knowing your limits and when to ask for help is part of a successful approach to caregiving.

When to ask for help

• Sometimes asking for help happens along with choking back emotions or blurting things out.
• This is probably a sign you've waited too long.
• Here are some suggestions for when to ask for help :
• When you are tired and need to sleep.
• When you begin to feel angry or frustrated.
• When you are ill or need to take care of your own health (medical, dental appointments etc.)
• When there are others around who can take over for a while.
• When someone has offered in the past and is waiting for you to ask.
• When other commitments are just as important.
• When you need to see friends, go for walk or meet your spiritual needs
• When you just need a break.