Care Giver Burnout
Care giver burnout happens when the needs of the one being cared for exceed the resources of the one who is doing the care giving. Resources include one’s own mental and physical capacity; emotional strength such as seeking other resources, delegation, and level of stressors in one’s own life; consideration of physical stamina and ability as well as knowledge one has about human needs.
Maslow's hierarchy of needs model is a good place to start to learn what the needs of a person are. Physical needs can be basic such as toileting and nutritional, but it doesn’t end there. People are complex emotionally, socially and spiritually. Things may seem to be “going well” initially, but over a long period of time, the one giving care can become exceedingly more depleted and vulnerable. Some of the symptoms can show up in lowered tolerance for frustration, sudden outbursts of temper, forceful caregiving such as ramming someone’s arm into the sleeve of a shirt when getting them dressed, and neglecting the needs of both oneself as a caregiver and the one who is being cared for.
People have a vast multitude of needs. As a caregiver, usually one attempts to meet as many needs as they can, but as a human being will fall short in many areas. Depending how incapacitated the one being cared for is (and over time usually declines and has more needs), the caregiver may need to increase the level of care involved. Nursing usually implements a team approach where different needs are met by different team members. In a home setting situation, the caregiver may get to a point where other people may need to be employed in the home to help assist the caregiver in meeting the needs of the person who needs the care.
The best way to help yourself as a caregiver is to evaluate what your needs are and develop a network of support around you. You cannot be the only one involved in the care. Communication is key in telling other people what you need and what the needs of the one being cared for needs. Take frequent breaks to have your own needs met so that you don’t reach a point of burnout. Take the time to examine what your needs are in caring for someone. I have included a checklist of caregiver needs at the end of this article.
If you find you are not getting your needs met, I can guarantee it will show in the kind of care that you are capable of giving. You may be caring for an ailing spouse or another family member, or hired to help a neighbor. The principles are the same. You need to meet your needs as well as the person you care for, or you won’t be able to meet either of your needs nor those of the person you are caring for, at some point in the future. Do not have unrealistic expectations of yourself. You can do the best you can only when you are aware of what your resources are and their limitations. Within the limitations is where we need to reach out. You can reach out to God or call on your higher power. Nobody is perfect or capable of meeting every single need we have or another person has. It is our responsibility to communicate to others when help is needed.
List for the caregiver to promote optimal functioning:
Psychosocial—I have a support system of people whom I can call to intervene when I need them. This includes time to develop your gifts and be the person who you are meant to be and appreciation for what you share, give, and do for others.
Spiritual—I have a belief system that supports the incredible stress I experience as a care giver watching someone decline over time and my beliefs about suffering and dying.
Physical—I maintain a nutritious diet that will promote healing in my body and meet my physical needs. This includes my own mobility, toxicity, and adequate rest. This also includes physical environment where the care is being given and the appropriation of adequate equipment needed.
-Heidi Lobstein MSN, RN AKA: The Health Angel
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