Care Partner Burnout in Dementia Care: The Silent Struggle

1. Care Partner Burnout in Dementia Care: The Silent Struggle 905.888.8808 info@memoryandcompany.com

2. What Is Care Partner Burnout? • Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion often accompanied by a shift in attitude—from positive and caring to negative and unconcerned.  • Recognizing the signs of burnout is the first step to finding relief. Some of the signs of care partner burnout include: Constant fatigue and sleep disturbances Loss of appetite or interest in activities Feelings of irritability, anxiety, or depression Withdrawal from friends and family Changes in health, such as frequent sickness

3. What Causes Care Partner Burnout? • Emotional & Physical Demand: Constant care, especially for memory loss, can drain energy and cause emotional strain. • Isolation & Lack of Support: Feeling alone and unsupported by others can amplify the burden. • Financial Stress: Specialized care and equipment can create financial strain on top of existing responsibilities. • Balancing Roles: Juggling caregiving with other obligations like work or family can lead to guilt and inadequacy. • Neglecting Self-Care: Prioritizing loved one's needs over personal well-being can lead to physical and mental health issues.

4. Specific Challenges in Dementia Care • Daily living activities may require partial or full support from the care partner, depending on the stage of Memory Loss. • Physical care may include mobility support, hygiene, dressing, grooming, and even assistance with eating.  • Adjusting to progressive cognitive decline can be difficult, especially dealing with unpredictable behaviours and communication barriers.

5. Recognizing Care Partner Burnout • Some people can handle a significant amount of stress before noticing any emotional and mental symptoms.  • Before burnout sets in, oftentimes a condition known as care partner strain develops. This condition often causes feelings of resentfulness, anger, hopelessness, and a lack of empathy.  • While the physical demands of being a care partner can be expected, overall exhaustion may be a symptom of burnout.

6. Preventing Burnout and Seeking Help • Memory Care environments, online support groups, and community programs are designed to support the care partner(s) physically, emotionally, and mentally. • These support systems are beneficial in helping to prevent care partner burnout through personal and outreach programs. • In addition, proactive measures to prevent burnout can make a significant difference in a care partner’s life.

7. Discover Support: Memory & Company’s Holistic Approach to Addressing Care Partner Burnout • Memory Care is undeniably demanding, and the propensity for care partner burnout is high.  • Recognizing the early signs and taking steps towards self-care and professional assistance can protect the well-being of care partners while ensuring the continuation of compassionate care. • Memory & Company provides a holistic approach to Memory Care in Markham and Oakville.  • Contact us today to schedule a personal tour and consultation with our Team Members. Ref.: https://memoryandcompany.com/blog/care-partner-burnout-in-dementia-care/

8. CONTACT US MARKHAM CLUB OAKVILLE CLUB 100 Renfrew Drive, Suite 110 Markham, Ontario L3R 9R6 407 Iroquois Shore Road, Unit 1 Oakville, Ontario L6H 1M3 markham@memoryandcompany.com oakville@memoryandcompany.com 905.888.8808 info@memoryandcompany.com www.memoryandcompany.com

9. Thank you 905.888.8808 info@memoryandcompany.com www.memoryandcompany.com