Caregiving for loved ones can be rewarding and is an amazing gift to your loved ones, but it also requires caregivers to juggle a lot. This can lead to caregiver burnout. According to the Cleveland Clinic, more than 60% of caregivers experience caregiver burnout.
Let’s look at the causes and signs of caregiver burnout in Santa Cruz families and how to get help.
What is caregiver burnout?
Cleveland Clinic defines caregiver burnout as a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that happens to people who are caring for someone else. It can affect someone physically, psychologically, financially, and socially.
Causes of caregiver burnout
Caregiver burnout is caused when caregivers don’t have time to take care of themselves and start neglecting their own health or well-being. It can also be caused by:
- being confused about your role
- having unrealistic expectations
- feeling a lack of control
- trying to do more than the caregiver is emotionally, physically, or financially able to
Signs of caregiver burnout
There are many signs of caregiver burnout that people can experience, such as:
- emotional and physical exhaustion
- physical ailments (such as fatigue, headaches, and body aches)
- sadness, depression, or feeling overwhelmed
- social withdraw
- lack of interest in things they previously enjoyed (such as stopping hobbies) or lack of motivation
- feeling hopeless or helpless
- changes in appetite/weight and sleep
- difficulty concentrating
- being negative
- being in denial
- frequently getting sick
- being irritable, frustrated, resentful, or angry
- feeling anxious, afraid, or guilty
When to get help with caregiver burnout
Caregivers should get help as soon as they realise they are experiencing caregiver burnout (or are showing early signs). If it has progressed to an inability to cope, feeling persistent hopelessness, turning to substance use or other unhealthy coping mechanisms (such as gambling or even extreme screen time), then you should seek help right away.
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others, immediately call, text, or chat with 988 for the suicide and crisis lifeline.
How to help caregiver burnout
There are many ways to help caregiver burnout in Santa Cruz families.
1. See a mental health professional
Caregiving is stressful, even more so if you are suffering from burnout. It is helpful to have a therapist who you can talk to and who can help you develop healthy coping skills.
2. Take care of your health
A big cause of caregiver burnout is caregivers neglecting their own health. It is important to take care of your health, which means:
- Eat healthy: Eat a balanced diet that fuels your body.
- Prioritize sleep: Even when life is chaotic, it is important to prioritize sleep.
- Go to the doctor: Attend to your own medical needs by going to the necessary doctors.
- Exercise: Regular exercise will help your physical and mental health.
3. Practice self-care
Take care of yourself. Take breaks (even small 10-15 minute breaks) to help you recenter yourself. Have relaxation practices for stress relief, such as:
- deep breathing
- yoga
- tai-chi
- meditation
- journaling
- reading
4. Have a social life outside of caregiving responsibilities
Just like you are a support person for the loved one you are caring for, you also need a support network of family and friends. Taking time to see the people you love and to have a social life is important for your well-being. Pick back up your hobbies to give you something to look forward to doing.
5. Accept help
Accepting help and not trying to do it all is probably the most essential thing you can do to prevent/treat caregiver burnout. You are one person, and you cannot do it all.
Ask your family for help caring for your loved one. Delegate tasks. Work together.
It is important for you to set realistic goals and expectations for what you can accomplish and to set boundaries by learning to say no when it is not realistic for you.
6. Give yourself grace and understanding
A big part of accepting that you cannot do it all is learning to give yourself grace and be understanding when you can’t meet the expectations you or others put on yourself.
You are doing an amazing thing by taking care of your loved one. Give yourself a pat on the back, and try not to be so hard on yourself for not being able to give every area of your life 100% (that isn’t possible)!
7. Have an emergency plan
One way to help your anxiety is to develop an emergency plan for how your loved one can receive care if you are ever unable to provide it. Even if you never use it, knowing the options available (and even better, being set up with a home care company) can provide peace of mind.
Support options in Santa Cruz specifically for caregivers
Let’s look at the support options for caregivers that are available in Santa Cruz.
Local support groups
Caregivers can join a local support group, such as those offered by the Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center or the Regional Caregiver Resource Center (CRC).
Talk to your employer
People don’t think of their employer as a support option, but employers can offer accommodations, flex time, or leave time. Talk to your employer to see if there is anything they can do to make your situation easier.
Resources for caregivers
You can find additional resources for caregivers from:
- Family Caregiver Alliance (has a huge list of resources)
- Caregiver Action Network
- 211 Santa Cruz County
Support options for seniors in Santa Cruz
Now, let’s look at the support options for seniors in Santa Cruz (which will also help reduce the care requirements on the primary caregivers).
Try home modifications and assistive aids for your loved one
Some of the care that your loved one needs could be achieved (or at least assisted) with home modifications or assistive aids, such as:
- Cane
- Walker
- Wheelchair
- Ramps
- Railings on both sides of the stairs
- Stairlift
- Grabbers or reaching tools to avoid bending over
- Non-tie shoelaces or velcro shoes
- Glow-in-the-dark light switches
- Light switches you can activate remotely (or by voice or clapping)
- Electric rising chairs
- Adjustable bed and bed rails
- Shower seat
- Bathtub transfer bench
- Hand-held shower head
- Walk-in bathtub
- Nonslip mats in your bathroom
- Grab bars in the bathtub and/or shower and by the toilet
- Raised toilet seats or toilet seat risers
- Bladder control underwear
- Bidet toilet seats so they can get clean even if they have trouble wiping
- Medical alert to allow seniors to easily call for help
- Home security systems
- Wireless thermostats
- Phones that are voice-operated or have larger buttons
- Medication alarms or an automatic pill dispenser
- Electric can opener
There are services and programs that can help you determine what equipment you need or make home modifications:
- Pacific Angels Home Care: We can access a senior to determine which aids would be most helpful and go through the house with you to figure out home modifications and other ways to prevent falls.
- Senior Network Services Home Help Program (HHP): They connect seniors with providers who help with home maintenance and upkeep.
- Dignity At Home Fall Prevention Program: A program by the California Department of Aging that offers information on environmental assessments, home modifications, and equipment.
Meal support
Meal support can be a good area for other friends and family to contribute. There are also options in Santa Cruz:
- Community Bridges: Offers Meals on Wheels for seniors
- Downtown Senior Center: Provides meals for seniors every weekday, but reservations are required.
- Pacific Angels Home Care: Our caregivers help with meal planning, grocery shopping, meal prep, and cooking. They can tailor the food to each senior’s diet and preferences and ensure they are getting the proper nutrition.
Transportation services
Transportation is another easy area for friends and family to contribute. Plus, there are other safe transportation options in Santa Cruz:
- Pacific Angels Home Care: We offer safe transportation and can escort seniors into the building (or even stay with them while they are out).
- Lift Line: A door-to-door transportation service for seniors to get to qualifying places (such as senior centers, medical appointments, adult day programs, grocery stores, restaurants, financial institutions, parks, churches, or support groups).
- Santa Cruz Metro: Public transportation offers a senior discount and paratransit (accessible door-to-door shared rides for people who cannot take other public transportation because of a disability).
- Taxis and ride-hailing apps: If you help them set up an account, these can be another convenient way for seniors who can no longer drive themselves to have some freedom with transportation.
Adult day programs
An adult day program can be a good option for seniors to be able to socialize during the day and for the caregiver to have a reliable break during work hours.
Community Bridges offers an Elderday adult day care program for seniors on weekdays. This program offers health care, exercise classes, art, woodworking, and music.
Respite care
Respite care is when someone else temporarily takes on the caregiving responsibilities so that the primary caregiver can have a break. This break can range from a couple hour to a couple of weeks. It is a great option designed to help caregivers prevent or treat burnout, and give them time to take care of themselves, attend to their other personal responsibilities, and practice self-care.
In Santa Cruz, two options for respite care:
- Regional Caregiver Resource Center (CRC) Services: The California Department of Aging offers respite care for those who meet the criteria.
- Pacific Angels Home Care: We offer respite care that is tailored to each person’s needs. We can be available whenever needed for however long is needed.
Home care
Home care offers non-medical assistance at home. They provide personal care (help with a person’s activities of daily living, such as moving around, going to the bathroom, bathing, and grooming). They can also help with housekeeping, medication compliance, provide companionship, and supervise.
Options for home care in Santa Cruz include:
- Pacific Angels Home Care: Our kind caregivers provide home care and tailor their wide range of services to each senior’s needs.
- Senior Network Services Shared Housing Program (SHP): They pair seniors with vetted housemates who can assist them.
- In Home Supportive Services – County of Santa Cruz: The Human Services Department offers in-home care for seniors who have a disability and meet the low-income requirements.
Learn more about Home Care for Seniors in Santa Cruz, CA.
Home health care
Seniors who need medical care at home can use home health care services, such as:
- Central Coast Visiting Nurse Association
- Sutter Health
- Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) (for those eligible for Medi-Cal)
Additional support for seniors in Santa Cruz
Some additional support for seniors in Santa Cruz includes:
- Downtown Senior Center, which offers seniors a wide range of classes, trips, and services (such as tax help and medical screenings)
- Seniors Council, which offers services (such as Project Scout tax assistance) and companionship programs (like their Foster Grandparent Program and Senior Companion Program).
Learn more about activities for seniors in Santa Cruz and resources to age in place in Santa Cruz, CA.
Next steps? Choose Pacific Angels Homecare
Pacific Angels Home Care can help caregivers in Santa Cruz to care for their loved ones and for themselves.
Our experienced caregivers offer every type of service and care discussed here. They are also equipped to offer specialty care for seniors dealing with Dementia/Alzheimer’s or stroke.
All of our caregivers are thoroughly screened and trained. We are available whenever needed (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) and customize our services to each person’s needs.
Those looking for respite care in Santa Cruz and the surrounding areas in California, call us today at (831) 708-2876 or reach us online to schedule an in-home consultation to learn more about your options.
