Recognizing the symptoms of overload in a caregiver

Caring for someone can demand a lot from you. Sometimes you notice that you have less and less energy left for yourself. Then it is good to pause and reflect on signs of overload in a caregiver. Pay particular attention to persistent fatigue, becoming irritated more quickly, poor sleep, and worrying. Also, having less desire for contact or continuing to put everything off can indicate that it is becoming too much. Taking rest and arranging help can then help reduce the pressure.

Which signs belong to overload?

Whether caregiving feels heavy depends on two things. Your burden is everything you have to carry. Your capacity is what you can handle at that moment.

How do you know when the balance is off?

As long as those two are in balance, things are going well. If the burden gets heavier or your strength decreases, the balance is disturbed and you can become overloaded. You can make the burden lighter by sharing tasks or enlisting help. You can increase your strength by resting enough, exercising, and asking for support.

Do you care for your partner at an older age? Then you belong to a group that is often heavily burdened. Watch for signs of overload: persistent tiredness, poor sleep, sadness, or the feeling of being on your own.

Which signs require immediate action?

If you notice that you are shouting, threatening, holding someone tightly, locking someone up, or neglecting care, the limit of safe care has been reached. This can result from exhaustion or powerlessness, but it deserves immediate attention. First, bring yourself and your loved one to safety. In case of immediate danger, call 112.

If you as a caregiver no longer want to continue, do not keep that to yourself. 113 advises talking about it with someone you trust, your general practitioner, or a counselor from 113. You can call or chat free of charge and anonymously day and night. If you are now in immediate danger of death, have a concrete plan that you want to carry out right away, or cannot keep yourself safe, call 112.

What helps reduce the pressure?

Sharing the care helps to reduce the pressure. Ask for replacement care in time so you can catch your breath. So make sure to take care of yourself in time and share the care. At Mantelzorg Zoetermeer you can go for advice and support.

Lifting, turning, and moving someone can put a heavy strain on your back, shoulders, and joints. Therefore, ask a district nurse, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist to look along with you and demonstrate a technique. A sliding sheet, turning disc, adjustable bed, or hoist can sometimes help.

What is the best thing to do afterward?

In cases of serious but non-urgent concerns about a resident of Zoetermeer, Meldpunt Bezorgd Zoetermeer can make an assessment and look at which help is already involved. Share factual signs and avoid confronting someone yourself when that could be unsafe. Also ask for support for yourself; you are not responsible for resolving the crisis on your own.

If you care for an aging loved one who is becoming increasingly vulnerable, a lot may be going on at once. There is a great deal possible to support both your loved one and you. On Regelhulp per zorgonderwerp you will find a guide that helps you keep an overview of what is available and how to apply for it.