Ask a Social Worker: Caregiving
Managing Caregiver Fatigue and Burnout
Question: I love my aging mother and want to keep doing right by her, but the fatigue is setting in hard. How can I take care of myself without feeling like I’m failing her?
Caregiving can be a wonderful and fulfilling experience, though it can also be overwhelming and a source of great stress.
Caregivers commonly experience feelings of loneliness, guilt, embarrassment, helplessness, frustration, and anger. This stress can lead to feelings of exhaustion, resentment, or “burnout”. The good news: with support, you can reduce stress and prevent or alleviate burnout.
Caring for You, while You Care for Them
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help is a sign of strength.
Speak to family, friends, or mental health professionals about your feelings or join a support group. Support groups can be particularly beneficial because you have the opportunity to share your experience with others who have experiences similar to your own.
You will be able to provide better care for your loved one if you make sure all of your physical and emotional needs are being met. For many people, this means eating well, exercising, and getting plenty of sleep.
Make a habit of engaging in an enjoyable activity every day.
Find the humor in difficult situations when you can.
Be kind to yourself!
Caregiver Resources
Alzheimer’s Association, 24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900, www.alz.org
Information, referrals, and support groups.
Jewish Family & Children’s Service, 781-647-5327, www.jfcsboston.org
Support groups including those focused on adult children, partner loss & bereavement, parent loss & bereavement, Parkinson’s care partners, grandparent support, and suicide loss survivors.
Mass Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, 617-748-2454, www.massgrg.com
Support groups, as well as financial and legal information, for grandparents raising their grandchildren.
OUTstandingLIFE, www.outstandinglife.org
A virtual community of LGBTQ+ older adults that offers connection and support.
Springwell (Area Agency on Aging), 617-926-4100, www.springwell.org
Free information and referral services for caregivers.
Caregiver Action Network, 855-227-3640, caregiveraction.org
Caregiving.com, www.caregiving.com
Family Caregiver Alliance, 800-445-8106, www.caregiver.org
Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center, 617-789-4289, www.gbcgac.org
National Alliance for Caregiving, www.caregiving.org