Family Caregiver Burnout in Greensboro and High Point

Experiencing burnout as the primary caregiver for your loved one is a common occurrence.

While experiencing burnout can be challenging, there are many resources in our area to help. These include local organizations here in Greensboro dedicated to providing resources to help. It also includes us at Griswold Home Care. We are here for you and can help provide some relief. Read on to learn more about National Family Caregiver Month, caregiver burnout, respite care, and local resources.

National Family Caregiver Month

Each November, we pause to recognize the millions of family caregivers across our country for National Family Caregiver Month. It is no easy task being the primary caretaker for a loved one. This is a time to raise awareness of the vital role family caregivers play in our healthcare ecosystem. They are the backbone of healthcare in the United States. They provide billions of hours of unpaid care every year, typically while balancing their own job, family life, and personal health challenges. Without the proper resources and preparation, this can lead to many of them experiencing caregiver burnout.

Caregiver Burnout

Caregiver burnout often occurs when someone dedicates a significant portion of their time and energy to caring for others. This leads to them neglecting their own care. Not taking care of your own physical, emotional, and mental health can have drastic effects on the way you feel and your ability to complete your responsibilities.

Some common risk factors that lead to burnout include:

• Serving as the primary caregiver for someone else
• Working in an environment where your primary job is helping others – such as the education or medical fields
• You don’t have a support system around you to relieve you when you are tired
• You feel like you’re the only one who can do your job successfully

If you’re experiencing caregiver burnout, you may experience many different emotions, and no two people will experience it the same. Common feelings you may have include:

• Anxiety or fear
• Anger or frustration
• Denial
• Guilt
• Negativity
• Loneliness

Respite Care

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, many caregivers who reported a decline in their health also acknowledged how that decline impacted their ability to care for others. This underscores the necessity of stepping away from caregiving responsibilities from time to time. You want to give your best to those you care for, and that means prioritizing your health as well. You shouldn’t have to compromise your well-being to support them. Taking a break is just as crucial for your loved ones as it is for you. These brief moments of rest can help recharge your energy and reignite your motivation.

That’s where Griswold can help. Respite Care offers you a valuable opportunity to take a breather, helping you to prevent burnout down the line. One of our trusted Caregivers can assist you for a few hours each day, a couple of times a week, or even for months if things are especially busy. By sharing the care of your aging loved one, you may discover that you become a more patient, energized, and supportive family caregiver.

Local Resources

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services offers Project C.A.R.E. (Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty). This program prioritizes the needs, values, and preferences of individuals who directly care for a family member or friend with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia.

Senior Resources of Guilford has a family caregiver support program that provides educational resources, access to available resources, and support groups, among many things.

Dementia Alliance of North Carolina maintains a large network of community resources to help family caregivers understand dementia.

NAMI of Guilford has several programs and support groups available to provide free education, skills training, and support.

How Can Griswold Help?

Respite Care offers a fantastic way to recharge and keep burnout at bay. Our committed Caregivers can provide support for just a few hours each day, several times a week, or even over a few months when things get particularly overwhelming. Many families discover that sharing the responsibility of caring for their aging loved ones boosts their patience, energy, and overall effectiveness in their caregiving roles. If you’re interested in learning more about your options, feel free to get in touch! We’re here to assist you in finding the right solution for your needs.