It is easy to become overwhelmed as a caregiver for someone who is elderly or has a severe illness. Unfortunately, all too many caregivers are reluctant to seek the help they need as they feel it is their responsibility. The good news, however, is that there are several options available to caregivers who may begin to feel overwhelmed, including hospice care.
6 Signs That Indicate a Need for Caregiver Assistance
The most notable signs that a caregiver is overwhelmed and needs assistance with their duties include severe anxiety, depression, irritability, impatience, both physical and emotional exhaustion, a lack of appetite or overeating, and withdrawal from loved ones. If these symptoms are present, then it is important to seek additional caregiver assistance. If you notice these symptoms in a loved one who is serving as a primary caregiver, then encourage them to seek additional assistance, possibly in the form of hospice or palliative care.
Severe Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the main indicators that a caregiver is becoming overwhelmed by their responsibilities of caring for their loved one. The signs of anxiety typically include but are not limited to extreme fatigue, restlessness, an inability to control feelings of worry, and tense muscles. The longer anxiety remains without relief, the worse it is likely to become, and it can greatly impact the caregiver’s ability to care for their loved one as well as care for themselves.
Symptoms of Depression
Many caregivers become depressed, often without realizing it, as they become worn down and overwhelmed by their caregiver responsibilities. The symptoms of their depression may be subtle, and the caregiver may hide their symptoms or not realize they have them.
The most notable symptoms of depression to watch for include sadness, feelings of hopelessness, apathy (as it pertains to their own interests aside from providing care), and lower self-esteem. Depression is a serious mental health concern that should not be ignored, and it is encouraged for caregivers to seek additional assistance to help alleviate symptoms of depression related to their situation if they develop.
Irritability and Impatience
Irritability and impatience that is often directed toward the patient and other family members are common signs that indicate a caregiver is experiencing burnout and should seek additional caregiver assistance. This can largely be attributed to having overwhelming thoughts and a singular focus of helping their loved one, which causes them to become irritable and impatient with others.
For family members who are on the receiving end of the irritability and impatience from a loved one who serves as a caregiver, it is important to be understanding and patient with them, encouraging them to seek additional caregiver assistance such as hiring a professional caregiver).
Physical and Emotional Exhaustion
In many cases, the ultimate result for caregivers who experience burnout is utter physical and emotional exhaustion to the point where they are no longer able to provide quality care for their loved one. In such situations, the individual feels as if they must continue providing care by themselves because there is no one else or because they do not trust other care providers. Encouraging them to seek help and helping them to understand their options can be incredibly beneficial in their time of need.
Excessive Eating or Loss of Appetite
Many caregivers who experience burnout and begin to feel overwhelmed by their current responsibilities and workload change their eating habits due to excess stress. For many, this means eating much more (and indulging in more sweets) than they did before.
For others, they may deal with the stress by eating less and not seeming to have much of an appetite. This is a common sign that goes unnoticed. While a temporary dietary change is not a concern in and of itself, it could be a sign of burnout and a need for additional caregiver assistance if it exists along with other signs that have been discussed.
Withdrawal From Friends and Family Members
Many overwhelmed caregivers also isolate themselves more from loved ones. This is usually due to feelings of exhaustion and a need for rest when they are not serving as a caregiver. Additionally, an increased level of irritability and depression may make them less willing to spend time with others as well.
Harbor Light Hospice Assists Caregivers Who Need Additional Assistance
Have you or your loved one been diagnosed with a severe illness or chosen to no longer pursue curative treatment and are interested in hospice care? At Harbor Light Hospice, we offer hospice care services that are designed to improve the overall quality of life for our patients and their family members as the patient goes through the end of life stages. Call us today or send us a message to learn more and get started.