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Avoiding "Burn Out" Do something for yourself each day

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Alzheimer's Disease
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Posted 3/3/2005 6:17 AM (GMT -7)
:-)  For all caregivers,there comes a time when you will suffer from "burn out" and you will need to be able to acknowledge this and do something about it .For me its a little bit short fused...........especially when other family members dont understand why you are not putting your mom or whoever in a home (make it easier on yourself they say).Crying for no reason is another sign for me,although I know it is for a reason.I find that if I just take 20 30 minutes each day and go for a walk or have a hot tub I will be recharged  and ready to go another day.You have to give yourself some TLC in order to be able to give it to those you are caring for .............What do you do for yourself? 
Posted 3/3/2005 9:57 AM (GMT -7)
I know this isn't quite on subject but it is from my perspective:

My mom is the caregiver and I have reminded her to keep a list of things she needs done around the house and post it so that when I, my brothers or sisters are there we can help her with these things. We are in the habbit of looking for that list and we kindly scold her if it is empty. It is a way for her to ask for help without feeling like a begger.

I have also called my siblings to arrange a time for one to visit with dad while other(s) of us take mom on an outing. We think we are going to make a schedule of this so that she does not have to ask.

I give her every Monday and one sister gives her every Wednesday (mom's choice of days) so she can remain active at the senior center.

If you know a caretaker . . . treat them special!! You can give your approval of putting the loved one with AD in a home but don't use it as an excuse to bow out of helping.

If you are not the primary caretaker and not the person with AD . . . please help these 'gifts from God' to get a break.

Blessings!
Posted 3/3/2005 10:37 AM (GMT -7)
I had burnout 3 times in 30 years of working.I know what's it's like,it's horrible.Take time for yourself,If you have someone come in

several times a week,get out & do something nice for yourself,go to a movie,a nice lunch,visit a friend or whatever you want,just don't stay home.

Posted 3/3/2005 11:39 AM (GMT -7)
AR.In my opinion you and your siblings are doing exactly what a family should do when they have a loved one with AD.Making the lists and making sure that you give your Mom some "free time" is wonderful.I commend you and your family for going that extra mile,it makes all the difference in the world.More families need to do something similiar for their loved ones...........................Basically you are all pitching in and yet are able to have some time to do stuff for yourselves and in my opinion this makes it better so that yous do not start to resent your loved one for needing you so much and you avoid the "burn out" GREAT JOB........God Bless and Keep You and Your Family Safe and Healthy
Posted 3/3/2005 11:54 AM (GMT -7)
SL..............I remember those "burn outs "all to well. Sadly I saw a couple of really caring,loving and skilled RNs get so bad that they got into pills and ultimately overdosed.I went to the funeral of one girl Cathy 30 yrs old(16 yrs ago) and that was so difficult to see.Her family knew nothing of her problems .they were just left with so many questions.,and no answers.This happens way to often but goes unreported..................................You are absolutely right .take a bath,go to a movie and for sure have someone come in for respite care;Get out of the house if only for awhile and you will be better to look after yourself and those you love .Take Care and God Bless you and Larry
Posted 3/17/2009 1:58 PM (GMT -7)
TTT
Posted 3/19/2009 12:07 PM (GMT -7)

thank you much for the information Lyn.....this is very well my problem right now.....I haven't posted in awhile basically because i am just physically exhausted.....i did get to take my partner on a trip to  disneyworld since i have posted because that is something she had wanted to do......i'm trying to access a bit more home help for us right now.......my apologies for not responding to others posts for awhile, i am hoping to have more down time.......

Lynnie

Posted 3/19/2009 1:14 PM (GMT -7)
Take your time hun
I KNOW how it is to be the caregiver
Of our ones we love so much
Give her a huggle for me k
Luvs
LYN
Posted 4/29/2009 7:41 AM (GMT -7)
To the top

LYN
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