Who Takes Care of You?

Avoiding burnout when caring for others

Caregiving for a loved one of any age and under any circumstance is often hard and lonely work.

In addition to the physical demands that caregiving may require, the emotional toll is very real. 

According to Aaron Brush, senior companion and caregiver coordinator at the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (SVCOA), “The most important thing caregivers can do to ensure they are able to care for their loved one is to take care of themselves. All too often, caregivers are so focused on the needs of others that they neglect their own health and mental well-being. Eventually, they get burned out.” 

Signs of caregiver burnout include: 

• Physical and emotional fatigue
• Increased stress and anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping
• Irritability
• Depression
• Feeling lonely or trapped
• New or worsening health problems
• Struggling to find joy in daily life

Caregivers need care, too

For many caregivers, the notion of taking a break from their responsibilities seems impossible. But the truth is there are numerous resources and organizations available to help make it happen.

Brush says, “People are often surprised by the amount of resources available to caregivers. And all you have to do is call.”

Services provided by SVCOA include:

• Access to respite care including grants to help cover associated costs 
• Access to senior companions to keep loved ones company or accompany them on errands, appointments or to grab coffee
• Access to homemaking support to assist with household tasks including laundry, taking out the garbage, cooking, and light housekeeping
• Caregiver education classes and support programs

Brush notes they can also assist caregivers in connecting with other agencies that provide services beyond SVCOA’s scope.

Care for those who care for children

In recent years, more and more older adults and extended family members are filling the role of  caregiver to young children and even infants. While the demands of caring for children are often different than those of caring for an aging adult, the risk of burnout is just as real. “That’s why we developed the Kin Care Group,” says Linda Darlington, Family Support worker with UCS. “The group brings together individuals who have custody of children from within their family. In addition to sharing their experiences, the group directs them to resources to help them care for themselves as well as the child in their charge. It’s important for care providers in this situation to know that others are facing the same challenges and that support is available.”