Emotional Influences

Caregivers experience a range of emotions as they assume their new roles. Initially, they feel the joy of a family member’s discharge from the hospital, perhaps following a questionable recovery. However, fear of the unknown may also be present. Doubts about their capabilities, concerns about the welfare of their family member’s health, and feeling overwhelmed by the volume of work to do. Fatigue plays a major role in how many caregivers feel, leading to caregiver burnout after months of ongoing care with little to no rest. Learn how to care for yourself to avoid that from happening to you.

Factors Influencing Acceptance

When change occurs in your life, it can be “done to you,” or you can plan for it, learn as much as you can about what’s coming, adapt to changes, and make the necessary changes to accept what’s happening. Sudden changes are more difficult to accept than when change occurs gradually over time, such as with a chronic illness. Read about some of the things that influence how or if we accept the changes that occur in our lives.

Burnout

After performing caregiving duties daily for an extended time, the strain begins to take a toll on a caregiver’s mental and physical health. Depression, chronic health problems, excessive fatigue, and mood changes are commonplace among caregivers who struggle to deal with the challenges of burnout related to exhaustion. So what leads to burnout and can help relieve its effects? Find out more about this painful consequence of long-term caregiving.