Caregiver burnout: signs to watch for and where to get help

Caregiver stress is the stress that comes from the emotional and physical strain of caregiving, and it is common. If you feel overwhelmed, isolated or worn out, help exists: respite care, support groups, your local Area Agency on Aging, and 988 for the hard days.

Signs of caregiver stress and burnout

MedlinePlus lists these signs of caregiver stress:

• feeling overwhelmed, isolated or irritable
• changes in sleep or weight
• frequent worry or sadness

MedlinePlus says long-term stress can raise the risk of health problems, and it lists depression and anxiety first. It does not define burnout separately or give a list of burnout symptoms, and Carevo is not going to invent one. People use "burnout" for stress that has gone on a long time without relief. If you recognize yourself above, take it as a reason to ask for help.

CDC says caregivers of people with Alzheimer's and related dementias are at greater risk for anxiety, depression and a poorer quality of life than other caregivers. CDC also says self-care is not selfish.

If the person you care for has dementia, the load is heavier. CDC says over 11 million U.S. adults provide unpaid dementia care, that caregivers provided about 18.4 billion hours of care to someone with dementia in 2023, and that about 80% of adults with these conditions receive care at home.

The caregiver burnout self-check is a short set of questions about strain, with places to find support. It is not a diagnosis. A health care provider can answer questions about your own health, and MedlinePlus advises contacting one if you have them.

Where to get help

Respite and adult day care

MedlinePlus says many communities have adult day care or respite services, and that taking a break through them can ease the load. Respite means someone else takes over the care for a while. See respite care and adult day care near you, or home care if you need regular help at home.

Support groups

MedlinePlus recommends asking for help and joining a caregiver support group, where you can get support from others who face the same challenges. Ask your Area Agency on Aging, which you can reach through the Eldercare Locator below.

The Eldercare Locator and your Area Agency on Aging

The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration for Community Living, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. You can call or text trained staff at 1-800-677-1116, or search by location online at eldercare.acl.gov. It connects you to Area Agencies on Aging and the services in your community that help older adults live independently at home, including home-delivered and community-based meals. We did not find hours on the page, so call and ask.

VA support if you care for a veteran

The VA Caregiver Support Program serves caregivers of eligible veterans enrolled in VA health care. It has two programs. The general caregiver support services include skills training, mobile support, one-on-one coaching, group support and peer mentoring. The comprehensive assistance program includes education and training, health insurance for uninsured caregivers, mental health counseling, a monthly financial stipend and respite care, with full eligibility requirements, including that the veteran must be at least 70% service connected. The Caregiver Support Line is 1-855-260-3274, Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm Eastern.

988 when it is more than stress

If you are struggling emotionally, you do not need to be in a crisis to call. The 988 Lifeline says it is for everyone, including people dealing with mental health struggles, emotional distress or concerns about alcohol or drug use. People worried about a friend or family member can also contact it for guidance on supporting that person. You can call or text 988, or chat at chat.988lifeline.org. It is available 24 hours a day, every day. In an emergency, call 911.

Practical steps this week

1. Name one task you can hand off. A neighbor, a relative or a paid worker can take a meal, a ride or an afternoon.
2. Call the Eldercare Locator and ask what respite, adult day care and caregiver support exist where the person you care for lives.
3. Book your own appointment. Tell your provider you are a caregiver and how you have been sleeping and feeling.
4. Look at paid options. Some people are paid to care for a family member through state programs. See paid family caregiver programs. If the person needs more hands, read how to choose a home care agency.
5. Take the self-check and bring your answers to your provider.

What catches people out

• Waiting for a crisis. Resources are easier to arrange before you reach the end of your limit.
• Assuming nothing exists. Services differ by community. Ask what is available where the person you care for lives.
• Treating it as a personal failing. MedlinePlus says caregiving may be stressful and sometimes overwhelming and that caregivers may be on call 24 hours a day. Stress is a response to that load.

Carevo is a connection platform, not a care provider, and does not give medical advice. If you are worried about your own health, talk to a health care provider.