You might be doing everything: managing medications, cooking meals, making appointments, helping with bathing, keeping your dad’s house running, and staying emotionally strong for your mom who needs and is relying on you.

If you are a caregiver and you’ve ever felt physically exhausted, emotionally drained, or just plain overwhelmed, you’re not imagining it. It’s called caregiver burnout, and it’s more common than people think.

So, what Is Caregiver Burnout?

Caregiver burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by the demands of caring for another person over time.  This can occur over years, months or even weeks if you are helping someone who is managing an acute health situation, such as a fall or a stroke. 

Family caregivers are especially vulnerable to Caregiver burnout.  The reason is because most of us never planned for this. We often step into the role of caregiver out of love or necessity (and sometimes even guilt) with no training manual in hand. There is no class for caregiver burnout and everyone who experiences it has their own set of circumstances.

If you are a caregiver, five signs that you may be starting to “burn out” can include:

• Chronic fatigue with the feeling that there is no “off switch.”
• Losing patience easily where in the past you may have been more tolerant. 
• Withdrawing from friends, hobbies, and social activities.
• Resentment towards others, including other family members who may not be doing as much as you are to care for your loved ones.
• Neglecting your own health, such as not getting routine testing or dental care.

Caregiver burnout is serious. When we’re stretched too thin other things in our lives can start to suffer—our health, our relationships, our jobs, even the quality of care we can provide. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish or an indulgence, it’s necessary for survival.

If you’re feeling burned out, or worried that it can happen, here are a few meaningful things that you can do:

• Ask for help from friends and family. Don’t try to be a martyr.
• Bring on paid help to help with the logistics and coordination of your loved ones’s care 
• Consider a respite stay for your loved one such as at an assisted living facility.
• Schedule time for self-care.
• Join a caregiver or disease-specific (such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s) support group.

If you are a caregiver, it is important to remember that you matter too. Try to rest, eat well, exercise, follow your doctors’ advice and get help before things get so difficult to manage that you burn out as a caregiver.

Finding the Right Support
At NexStep, we understand the emotional, physical, and logistical challenges caregivers face. That’s why we offer personalized care coordination and in-home medical support designed to ease your burden—so you can focus on what matters most. Whether you’re caring for a loved one facing a complex diagnosis or simply need a break, our team is here to help you navigate the journey with compassion and clarity.

Summary

Caregiver burnout is serious and impacts both you and your loved ones.  Recognize the 5 signs of caregiver burnout and tips to prevent burnout.

Visit www.nexstephealth.com to learn more about how we support caregivers and families every step of the way.