Caregiver Depression: Could You Be Experiencing Burnout?


Posted on April 14th, by Mark Winter in Caregiver Support Tip, Caregivers, Family Caregivers, Respite Care. No Comments

Caregiver Depression: Could You Be Experiencing Burnout?
family caregiver feeling stressed

Hired Hands Homecare, provider of senior care in Novato, CA and nearby areas, provides tips for avoiding caregiver depression.

There’s no question that it’s a wonderful honor to care for family we love. Family caregivers encounter a closeness and connection with those in their care that very often far outweighs the difficulties. Yet there are difficulties. A continuous to-do list to ensure the senior loved one you are providing care for is as happy and healthy as possible. Household duties and errands to run. Work responsibilities. The requirements of other relatives and friends. And don’t overlook self-care. The end result is an often an overwhelming quantity of stress, that if left unchecked, can easily transform into caregiver depression, which can appear in any or all of the following ways:

  • Thoughts of frustration, unhappiness, despair, anxiety
  • Trouble with falling or remaining asleep at night
  • Lack of interest in previously-loved activities
  • Eating significantly more or less than normal
  • Delayed thinking
  • And if left untreated, suicidal thoughts and even attempts at suicide

This short online evaluation will help you determine whether you may be experiencing caregiver depression. 

Luckily, there are simple steps you’re able to take to reduce your potential for falling into depression:

  • To start, make an appointment with your physician for assistance
  • Avoid isolating yourself and ensure lots of opportunities for socialization outside of your caregiving relationship
  • Stay active, both physically and mentally, with activities like swimming, playing games, reading, or volunteering for a cause that is important to you

While it may be challenging for family caregivers to carve out the time needed for self-care, it’s imperative to the wellbeing of both the caregivers themselves and the seniors in their care. Many times, family members feel as though they should do it all by themselves – after all, they know the individual better than anyone else, and frequently it just seems much easier to manage everything on one’s own.

An overly stressed, burned out, or depressed caregiver requires dependable, reliable support – and the best news is, it is readily available! An expert, agency caregiver can offer as much or as little care support as necessary. Perhaps, for example, you want to continue to prepare most of the meals for your senior loved one – but would love some assistance with cleaning up the kitchen afterwards. Or perhaps your parent would feel more at ease with an experienced caregiver providing assistance with personal care needs, such as bathing and assistance in the restroom. In-home care can make all the difference in the world. 

At Hired Hands Homecare, we understand how overwhelming life can feel for family caregivers, and we work with families to develop a plan of care that meets each person’s unique desires and needs. Let us help with reliable, professional respite care. Reach out to us online or at (866) 940-4343 any time to learn more about why we’re the top provider of senior care in Novato and the surrounding areas.





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Want to find out more about our senior care in California and how it can improve safety, comfort, and independence at home? Contact us at (866) 940-4343 to request a free in-home consultation to learn more about our customized care solutions in Novato, Pleasanton, Santa Rosa, Napa, Sonoma, and the surrounding areas.


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