Compassion fatigue is a very real issue that family caregivers can face. It’s slightly different from caregiver burnout, which often happens before compassion fatigue. Family caregivers need to know the symptoms of compassion fatigue as well as what they can do to avoid it, like taking advantage of in-home care services so that they can take breaks before they wear themselves out.
Learn the Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue
Caregiver burnout often happens slowly over time, but compassion fatigue can happen much more quickly. Family caregivers in the beginning stages of compassion fatigue might start to notice they’re more irritable and experiencing emotional outbursts. They may also worry that they are no longer capable of being a caregiver and experience anxiety over caregiving decisions. In serious cases of compassion fatigue, family caregivers might feel resentment about caregiving or even yell at the person they’re caring for. These are big signs that help is necessary.
Prioritize Rest for Family Caregivers
Avoiding compassion fatigue means first prioritizing rest for family caregivers. They need to be able to take time away from caregiving so that they can recharge and have experiences that build them back up. In-home care providers can step in during these times and take over caregiving duties so that family caregivers can get the rest they need.
Get Back to Favorite Activities
Caregiving often takes up so much time and energy that family caregivers eventually realize that they no longer engage in activities they used to love. Eventually, this contributes to compassion fatigue because people need to do things that light them up and refresh them. Family caregivers can use respite time to do some of these activities, which help them to refill their emotional gas tanks.
Process Feelings
Too often family caregivers push their feelings aside so that they don’t interfere with all of the tasks that need to be handled. But that is a recipe for disaster and means that family caregivers are susceptible to compassion fatigue. Dealing with feelings in some way, whether that’s joining a caregiver support group or writing in a journal, is an important part of helping family caregivers avoid compassion fatigue.
Consider a Caregiver Support Group
Caregiver support groups can be invaluable for family caregivers. These are groups where family caregivers share what they know and also talk with other people who understand exactly what they’re dealing with regularly. These groups often can meet in person or online, which makes them convenient options for busy family caregivers.
Don’t Skip Respite Time
What’s important for family caregivers to remember is that skipping respite time is not the best idea. Taking the opportunity to let in-home care providers step in and take over for them gives them a chance to go do the things they need and want to do. Not knowing what to do with that sudden free time is a common issue, but family caregivers still need the opportunity to explore their options.
As dangerous as compassion fatigue can be, some solutions can help family caregivers avoid it. Respite care offers support for seniors and family caregivers, letting everyone involved get a break.
If you or an aging loved one is considering In-Home Care Services in Lakewood NJ, please contact the caring staff at Expert Home Care today at (732) 937-5320.
Providing exceptional live-in home care in New Jersey, including Monroe Township, Edison, New Brunswick, Red Bank, Lakewood, Princeton, Morristown, Flemington, Stockton, Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Montclair, Livingston, Summit, and surrounding communities.
We have been providing Home Health Care to New Jersey families since 1985, and have grown to become one of the largest licensed providers of Live-In Home Care in the upper New Jersey area. Our many years of New Jersey home care experience has produced a company that over 8,000 clients have come to rely on confidently, for help.
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