Avoid Caregiver Burnout

Donna Nichols • February 22, 2022

How do I Avoid Caregiver Burnout?

If you are a caregiver or know of one, then you know about caregiver burnout and that it is very real and can make you sick and sometimes even kill you. It can be an emotional rollercoaster that never seems to end.

Some of the emotions experienced are depression, anger, loneliness, anxiety, and sadness, just to name a few.

There are times when being a caregiver is a wonderful and beautiful experience, but it is extremely taxing on a person’s physical and mental well-being. Especially those who have loved ones dealing with Alzheimer’s. The pandemic made things so much worse for everyone, as we were all stuck inside with each other 24/7 and couldn’t go to a store or a restaurant for a break.

Check out this video of our very own Rose speaking to caregivers and prioritizing your own care. 

@roseassistedlivingguide Whether you care for a loved one or you care for others, make sure to put yourself first⭐ #nationalcaregiversday #caregiver #senioradvocate #aging ♬ Steven Universe – L.Dre

On TikTok? Come connect with us and watch more on Caregivers Support Systems.

Caregiving can be especially hard when you are caring for your parents. They are the ones who always took care of you and now you have to take care of them.

You remember them as fearless, strong, and independent; now they’re dependent on you for everything. If they still have their mental capabilities, imagine how THEY feel having to depend on you. They go through stages of shame and humility. This is the LAST thing they want as well.

Let’s first discuss some causes of burnout:

  • Demand on you and your time : the caregiver has to learn how to juggle, caring for the loved one while working a job, taking care of a household, and raising a family. Those who have never been in your position won’t understand. Support groups will understand, find one in your area or online.
  • Lack of control you may feel you have : you may feel you lack the skills needed to properly care for your loved one. You may also feel you lack control over the money and resources needed.
  • Unreasonable demands : other family members and the one being cared for have tendencies to place unreasonable demands on the caregivers. They do not do this purposely, they just don’t understand the demand on your time. Support groups will understand, find one in your area or online.
  •  Confusion over your role : if you are caring for your parents or spouse, it may be difficult to separate your role from child or spouse to caregiver.
  • No privacy : caregiving leaves little time to be alone, so you may feel you have no privacy whatsoever. Caregiving is a 24/7 job and will take its toll on you, that’s why it’s extremely important to find some downtime.
  • Expectations placed on you : your loved one and family members place expectations on you that are more than likely way off base. Let your family know you cannot do it alone and their support will help you immensely.

Should you feel yourself becoming agitated at your loved one, please seek help!!!

There are support groups out there, the internet is a valuable resource to find what you’re looking for. PLEASE use it!! !

What are some warning signs of caregiver burnout:

It’s so easy to lose your patience when caring for a loved one and lash out at them and at others. So what do you do when you feel yourself reaching that breaking point?

Each individual is unique, so the warning signs can vary, but here are some of the common signs. Again, if you notice yourself having any of these signs, PLEASE seek help!!

Anger, frustration, exhaustion, anxiety, depression, denial about your loved one’s condition, more susceptibility to colds/flu, can’t concentrate, irritability, trouble sleeping, moodiness, and no interest in social activities.

Finally, here are some tips to avoid caregiver burnout:

First of all, the most important thing is YOU. Without you where would your loved one be? Be sure to take some time for yourself! Don’t feel guilty for having someone else come in for a short time to relieve you.

It doesn’t have to be a lot of time, twenty-thirty minutes a day to do something for yourself can make all the difference in the world. Do a crossword puzzle, sit outside or on a porch and just breathe, sip a cup of tea or coffee, or just sit quietly in another room. Taking these few minutes a day can save your life.

Taking time for yourself will do your heart and soul so much good and it will enhance your and your loved one’s life.

Tips on How to avoid caregiver burnout

  1. Join a support group: this is extremely important!! You can gain so much insight from others going through the same scenario you are and the support they provide is amazing!!! These groups can lift your spirits and help should you have a problem you need to work through, someone may have had the same problem and already have the solution. Assisted Living Made Simple holds three (3) of these groups a month! We are here for you!!!!
  2. Look to the internet: there are so many resources for help. The Alzheimer’s Association has a wealth of information on its site at www.alz.org. The AARP website is another great resource for help, they’re at www.aarp.org. There are also local Council on Aging who may be able to direct you to some resources.
  3. Take care of YOUR health: make sure you get plenty of sleep and drink plenty of water. Try to eat healthier and make regular doctor visits. Talk to your doctor about any caregiver concerns or issues you may have.
  4. Take a break: try to find someone to fill in for you, even if only for an hour so you can take a walk, watch a movie, or go for a bike ride. If you need more structured care, look for a respite program. Some communities have put them on hold due to COVID-19, but let’s hope they come back real soon.

If you are a caregiver and feel like you are burning out, PLEASE seek help immediately!! I cannot stress this enough!!

Sometimes even a phone call to a friend for a few minutes can help.

Again, Assisted Living Made Simple holds three (3) caregiver support groups a month to support one of our most valuable resources, YOU!!!!

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Be There Every Step

From touring facilities with you to helping you navigate the healthcare system, our team will be there will you every step of the way.

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Moving into an assisted living facility is a big change, but with the right placement, you can love your next home.

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The Quiet Echo of Love: Grieving in Our Senior Years

By Donna Nichols • November 5, 2025
A Tender Season for Tender Hearts As the holidays approach, grief can feel especially sharp. The empty chair at the table, the missing voice in a favorite carol, the traditions once shared—all can stir deep memories and longing. This season, give yourself permission to feel it all. Whether you're lighting a candle in remembrance or simply sitting quietly with your thoughts, know that your love still lives at every moment you honor it. You're not alone in this. Many are walking through the holidays with tender hearts, and together, we can find comfort, connection, and peace. When Someone You Love Is Gone: Grief in Our Later Years As we grow older, we come to understand life in ways we never could when we were young. We learn what truly matters. We value time, quiet moments, and the people who’ve shared the journey with us. And sometimes, we find ourselves facing one of life’s most difficult truths: saying goodbye to someone we’ve loved for decades. Loss in our later years feels different, whether it’s a spouse, a sibling, a lifelong friend, or a partner in the everyday routines of life. It comes after a shared history, after raising families, building homes, facing hard times, and celebrating joys. When that kind of bond is broken, the world doesn’t just feel quieter. It feels unfamiliar. A Different Kind of Grief Grief in our senior years carries a certain weight. It’s not just about the person we’ve lost—it’s about the life we built with them—the morning coffee routines, the inside jokes no one else would understand, the hand we held through every season of life. It’s also about identity. Many lose someone they love and a part of who they were when they were with them. There’s no time limit to this kind of sorrow. Some days, we might feel strong and steady. Other days, a photograph or a familiar song can bring us to our knees. That’s the nature of deep love—it echoes. Quiet Spaces After a loss, the house can feel too big. The calendar is too empty. Conversations can feel lonelier without the one who always knew what to say—or when not to say anything. But it’s okay to feel those things. You’re not doing anything wrong if grief lingers. You’re not expected to "move on" in any set amount of time. Some losses become part of who we are. We carry the people we love with us—not just in memory but in the way we live—in the recipes we still make, the phrases we still say, and the stories we still tell. Finding Comfort, Bit by Bit There may come a day when you feel the sun again—not just on your skin, but in your spirit. A day when the laughter of grandchildren warms something inside you. When you speak your loved one’s name and smile instead of crying. These moments are not betrayals of your grief. They’re signs of your love still growing, still finding new ways to live in the world. You are allowed joy, rest, and the ability to miss them forever while still living a beautiful life. You’re Not Alone If you’re walking through grief now, take heart in knowing you’re not walking alone. In these later chapters of life, many of us are navigating the same path. And sometimes, just speaking their name or sharing a story over a cup of tea can make all the difference. Let others in. Join a group, call an old friend, or write down your thoughts. Sometimes, healing comes not from forgetting but from remembering—together. Because love doesn't end. Not with age. Not with time. Not even with death. It simply changes shape and stays with us, always. Assisted Senior Services hosts a grief support group on the first Wednesday of each month at All Saints Lutheran Church, 751 Dunlawton Ave., Port Orange, FL. The group begins at 5:00 p.m. Please join us should you need support; it is free to attend.

Embracing Change: What Fall Teaches Us About Letting Go

By Donna Nichols • October 3, 2025
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Why Presence Matters More Than Ever

By Donna Nichols • October 1, 2025
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