Article: Love and Burnout: Caregivers, Too, Need Care

[JumpyTheFrog]

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/03/your-money/caregivers-alzheimers-burnout.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fhealth&action=click&contentCollection=health&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=3&pgtype=sectionfront

[Joules]

Thank you for posting this.  I've tried to explain (here and in person) what the past four years did to me, but it's impossible to get across the impact of 24/7 caregiving.  I would strongly encourage everyone to get more help than you think you need from the start and find supportive people that understand what you are going through.  It's like living in a fog, and you really need someone who can *see* to guide you.

[maize]

You know what came to my mind as I read this?

 

A lot of what people who are taking care of a sick or disabled person do, all that stuff that causes burnout, is the same stuff that many parents do while taking care of kids--especially the more high needs types of children. And our society almost completely ignores the very real stress and burnout and need for support these people experience.

 

Yes, caregivers need care. All caregivers. Nobody has an endless well of physical and emotional resources to draw on.

[Hilltopmom]

You know what came to my mind as I read this?

 

A lot of what people who are taking care of a sick or disabled person do, all that stuff that causes burnout, is the same stuff that many parents do while taking care of kids--especially the more high needs types of children. And our society almost completely ignores the very real stress and burnout and need for support these people experience.

 

Yes, caregivers need care. All caregivers. Nobody has an endless well of physical and emotional resources to draw on.

Babies & toddlers at least grow up & quickly. With 24-7 caregiving for an older or disabled person, there is never an end in sight & the caregiving almost always gets harder over the years, not easier.

[Denisemomof4]

It took years of recovery for me to resemble who I once was before caring for my mother who had dementia. Throw in a RAD kid and I cann tell you I have never quite returned to who I once was. I am ok with that now.

 

The GOOD thing? I do make myself a priority now. I never have before. Doing for myself is quite aweaome, and I do for myself regularly and guilt free. 😊