14 M-CARE: Prevention of PCG's burnout syndrome

Mobile Training for Home and Health Caregiver For People with Disabilities and

Older People

539913-LLP-1-2013-1-TR-LEONARDO-LMP

Module: Prevention of PCG's burnout syndrome


Unit 1

• Burnout of the PCG

• Signs and symptoms

• Stress vs. Burnout


Burnout

The demands of caregiving can be overwhelming, especially if you feel you have limited control over the situation or if it becomes too much for you at any time.

The photo is owned by http://www.nfcacares.org/who_are_family_caregivers/

http://www.nfcacares.org/who_are_family_caregivers/


If the stress of caregiving is left unchecked, it can take a toll on your health, relationships —eventually leading to burnout.

The photo is owned by Interprojects


• When you as a PCG are burned out, it’s tough to do anything, let alone look after someone else.

• That’s why making time to rest, relax, and recharge isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity.

Photo by:http://seniorcarepartners.wordpress.com/our-caregivers/

http://seniorcarepartners.wordpress.com/our-caregivers/




• When caregiving stress and burnout puts your own health at risk, it affects your ability to provide high quality care.

• It affects both you and the person you are caring for.




• Managing the stress levels in your life is extremely important.

• Stress alone is often difficult to control and can be damaging.

• Even worse, it can lead to burnout.




Signs and symptoms • You have much less energy than

you once had. • It seems like you catch every cold

or flu that’s going around. • You’re constantly exhausted, even

after sleeping or taking a break. • You neglect your own needs,

either because you’re too busy or you don’t care anymore.

• Your life revolves around caregiving, but it gives you little satisfaction.

• You have trouble relaxing, even when help is available.



• You’re increasingly impatient and irritable with the person you’re caring for.

• You feel helpless and hopeless. • You withdraw from the things that you had

enjoyed before. • Every day is a bad day. • Caring about your work or home life seems like a

total waste of energy. • You’re exhausted all the time. • The majority of your day is spent on tasks you

find overwhelming. • You feel like nothing you do makes a difference or

is appreciated.


Dealing with a PCG Burnout: The "Three R" Approach

• Recognize – Watch for the warning signs of a burnout

• Reverse – Undo the damage by managing stress and seeking support

• Resilience – Build your resilience to stress by taking care of your physical and emotional health


Stress vs. Burnout Stress Burnout

Characterized by overengagement Characterized by disengagement

Emotions are over-reactive Emotions are blunted

Produces urgency and hyperactivity Produces helplessness and hopelessness

Loss of energy Loss of motivation, ideals, and hope

Leads to anxiety disorders Leads to detachment and depression

Primary damage is physical Primary damage is emotional

May kill you prematurely May make life seem not worth living


Unit 2

• Prevention tips


Start the day with a relaxing ritual.

Rather than jumping out of bed as soon as you wake up, spend at least fifteen minutes meditating, reading your favorite novel, doing gentle stretches, or reading something that inspires you.



Adopt healthy eating, exercising, and sleeping habits.

When you eat right, engage in regular physical activity, and get plenty of rest, you have the energy and resilience to deal with life’s hassles and demands.






Set boundaries.

Learn how to say “no” in a positive manner to requests on your time.

If you find this difficult, remind yourself that saying “no” allows you to say “yes” to the things that you truly want to do.






Take a daily break from technology.

Set a time each day when you completely disconnect.

Put away your laptop, turn off your phone, and stop checking email.






Nourish your creative side.

Creativity is a powerful antidote to burnout.

Try something new, start a fun activity, or resume a favorite hobby.

Choose activities that have nothing to do with work. (e.g. going out with friends or dancing).


Learn how to manage stress.

When you’re on the road to burnout, you may feel helpless.

But you have a lot more control over stress than you may think.




References: • Administration on Aging. (n.d.). Respite: What caregivers need most-

administration on aging fact sheet Biegel, D., & Schulz, R. (1998). Caregiving and caregiver interventions in aging and mental illness. Family Relations, 48, 345-354.

• Coon, D. W., Gallagher-Thompson, D., & Thompson, L. W. (Eds.). (2003). Innovative interventions to reduce dementia caregiver distress: A clinical guide. New York: Springer Publishing Company, Inc.

Education

14 M-CARE: Prevention of PCG's burnout syndrome