Where can I turn for help for caregiver burnout?
Where can I turn for help for caregiver burnout?
If you are already suffering from stress and depression, seek medical attention. Stress and depression are treatable disorders. If you want to prevent burnout, consider turning to the following resources for help with your caregiving:
- Home health services: These agencies provide home health aids and nurses for short-term care, if your loved one is acutely ill. Some agencies provide short-term respite care.
- Adult day care: These programs offer a place for seniors to socialize, engage in a variety of activities and receive needed medical care and other services.
- Nursing homes or assisted living facilities: These institutions sometimes offer short-term respite stays to provide caregivers a break from their caregiving responsibilities.
- Private care aides: These are professionals who specialize in assessing current needs and coordinating care and services.
- Caregiver support services: These include support groups and other programs that can help caregivers recharge their batteries, meet others coping with similar issues, find more information, and locate additional resources.
- Agency of Aging: Contact your local Agency on Aging or your local chapter of the AARP for services (such as adult day care services, caregiver support groups and respite care) that are available in your area.
- National organizations: Look in a phone directory or search online for local agencies or chapters of national organizations that are dedicated to assisting people with particular illnesses, such as Parkinson’s disease or stroke. Such organizations can provide resources and information about subjects including respite care and support groups.