How Abbey Delray Can Help You Come Back From Caregiver Burnout
Becoming a caregiver isn’t always a choice. When loved ones need your help, you want to do everything you can to improve their quality of life. Unfortunately, being thrust into this role can come at the detriment of your own health and wellbeing.
If it feels like you’re on the brink of burnout, respite care from the community at Abbey Delray can offer relief. This temporary care option offers a much-needed break for caregivers, and provides peace of mind that your loved one is getting the quality care they need.
Am I Suffering From Caregiver Burnout?
When you’re in an extremely demanding situation, it can be hard to take a step back and recognize red flags related to your own wellbeing. In some cases you might even experience feelings of guilt for not being able to do it all.
While it can often feel like you’re on an island, that’s far from reality. In fact, a 2020 report from the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP found more than one in five Americans act as family caregivers, with 23% reporting caregiving has made their health worse.
If you suspect your health is being negatively impacted, these are some of the telltale signs of caregiver burnout:
- Emotional and physical fatigue or exhaustion
- Changes to sleep patterns
- Loss of interest in activities you enjoy
- Feelings of depression, irritability or hopelessness
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Physical pain or frequent headaches
It’s important to listen to what both your body and mind are telling you. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more significant health issues in the long term. Fortunately there are options to help you come back from caregiver burnout.
Abbey Delray’s Respite Care Options
If it feels like you’ve been putting your entire life on hold to serve as a caregiver, respite care can help you get your head above water. This temporary care option allows your loved ones to get professional care as needed. With respite care you can have the freedom to attend your kids’ soccer tournament or take a weekend away without worry
If you’re seeking respite care in the Palm Beach County area, Abbey Delray is an outstanding option. Guests will stay in our recently expanded health center, which is ranked among the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report. With visits starting at a minimum of seven days, guests will enjoy full access to all of our world-class amenities including the spa and salon services and restaurant-style dining.
Though respite care is a temporary option, we understand it can be a difficult decision to make. Our caring team members are always ready and available to answer questions and support your family in any way we can.
4 Ways to Discuss Respite Care With Your Spouse or Parents
On paper, respite care might sound like the exact solution you’re looking for. When it comes to having the discussion with your spouse or parents, things can get more complicated. Here are a few strategies to help you have a productive conversation:
- An honest discussion. You care deeply about your loved ones, and in times of stress it can be easy to forget that feeling is reciprocated. Being open and honest about the challenges you’re experiencing can open a lot of doors. You want what’s best for them, and ultimately they want the same for you.
- Be specific. Respite care is a temporary option. Be very clear about timelines, accommodations and situational needs. Often, the more detail you can provide, the easier it is to envision.
- Talk as a family. Going it alone is especially difficult. You never want your loved ones to feel ganged up on, but multiple points of view from trusted family and friends can go a long way in feeling comfortable with the decision.
- Focus on the care. Caregivers are often thrust into the situation without any sort of formal training or background experience. A professional may be able to offer advice on how caregiving can be more effective for all parties involved.
How to Overcome Obstacles to Respite Care
Not many people like the feeling of having decisions made for them. It’s important to be open and transparent as you explore respite care as an option. If you’re running into roadblocks, here are a few ways you can overcome those obstacles:
- First-hand experience. Whether in-person or virtually, connecting with the community can help ease feelings of apprehension. Plus, there is no better source than getting answers directly from experienced, caring team members.
- Be patient. Even if you’ve done all the research and are feeling like respite care is the right choice, it might take time for your loved ones to come around to the idea. Exercise patience as you work through the process.
- Seek support. Sometimes a trusted source can make all the difference. If you have friends or family who have had a difference-making experience with respite care, their story may go a long way in keeping an open mind toward the option.
Being a caregiver is a tremendous responsibility, but you don’t have to go it alone. If you would like to learn more about the health services available at Abbey Delray, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our friendly team members are here to answer any questions you might have.