Caregiver burnout is a symptom that Fabiana Troxler, homecare liaison for Liberty HomeCare & Hospice Services, is starting to see more often.

“Some of the signs to look for are changes of sleep patterns or increased crying and irritability,” Troxler said. “They may start lashing out at their loved one, or feel guilty to leave their loved ones because they feel like they have to be there all the time.”

That caregiver burnout creates more than added tension; it can be detrimental to the caregiver’s health. Caregivers face increased risk of illness themselves once they start taking over care of a loved one.

“Caregivers are so focused on taking care of mom and dad that they don’t focus on themselves,” Troxler said. “They can start to not eat or sleep well, and that’s how they get in trouble. They can become physically ill, and they don’t have the ability to take care of themselves and their parents.”

Troxler said that any caregiver who believes they might need help can take this survey, and should also schedule an appointment with their loved one’s physician. That physician can then make a referral for Liberty Home Care & Hospice Services, and get home care started.

Troxler said Liberty staff is trained to look for caregiver burnout, and is always willing to come and talk to families. She said caregivers need to remember to get a break when they can, even though it can be difficult.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” she said. “Caregivers need to take a walk in a park, visit a friend, or even just sit by themselves in a room. When a caregiver keeps getting more and more involved with a loved one’s care, that’s when the trouble can start.”

By taking care of themselves, caregivers are actually helping to take care of their loved ones.

“The focus has to be that you are not abandoning your loved one at all,” she said. “A caregiver is helping to provide more services, both for their loved one and themselves. They are getting more people involved to make sure everyone is taken care of the right way.”