Caregiver Burnout is real!
When you fly, you’re told to place your oxygen mask on before assisting anyone else in an emergency. When you sail, you’re instructed to secure your own life vest before helping a child or loved one. And when you drive, the very first step is to buckle your seatbelt—because your safety ensures you’re able to protect those around you.
Notice a pattern?
When it comes to safety, the message is clear: take care of yourself first so you can take care of others. So why do so many caregivers put their own needs last? Too often, a caregiver’s well-being becomes so secondary that it’s overlooked entirely—and that’s when true burnout begins.
According to AARP, one in every four adults is a caregiver. Of these, 94% provide care for adults, and one in three are under the age of 50. Over 40% of caregivers now deliver high-intensity care, often performing complex medical tasks like giving injections or managing equipment—yet only 22% ever receive training. On top of that, one in five caregivers reports poor health, a quarter take on debt due to caregiving, and half face significant financial strain. In fact, one in five cannot even afford necessities like food.
Caregiver burnout isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a very real, very urgent issue. At some point, every caregiver is at risk of reaching a state of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion.
We asked caregivers to share some of their biggest struggles, and here’s what they told us:
“I just don’t think anyone would understand. It’s easier if I just take care of it.”
“By the time my day is done, I just want to go to bed. I’m exhausted, and I have nothing left.”
“Sometimes I’m just so sad—I don’t know what to do with all the sadness.”
“Trying to help someone who has always been independent, and they now need help but they fight back – they are mad they are losing their independence”
These words are powerful reminders that caregiving can take a deep toll—emotionally, mentally, and physically.
Signs of Caregiver Burnout
You (or a caregiver you know) may be suffering from burnout if you notice:
- Uncontrollable anger or frustration
- Heightened anxiety or restlessness
- Changes in appetite
- Denial of a loved one’s condition or unrealistic expectations
- Hopelessness and persistent negative thoughts
- Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns
- Isolation and feelings of loneliness (e.g., “No one understands me”)
- Loss of interest in activities that once brought joy
- Constant fatigue
- Substance misuse or abuse
What to Do if You’re Struggling
Caregiver burnout is real—but it is not a dead end. There isn’t one single remedy, but rather a series of steps you can take to regain balance and restore your well-being:
- Talk about how you’re feeling. Seek therapy, join caregiver support groups, or confide in trusted friends and family.
- Protect your health. Keep up with your own medical appointments, rest when you’re unwell (and ask someone to cover for you), and try to move your body through walking or exercising.
- Rediscover joy. Make time for hobbies or activities that lift your spirit.
- Give yourself grace. Understand that doing your best is enough. You are only human, and you deserve to feel proud of all you’ve accomplished.
- Ask for help. Reach out to family and friends for support, explore paid time off or family leave, or consider partnering with a professional home care agency for backup.
One of the biggest struggles caregiver’s faces is the pressure they put on themselves to do it all. Unrealistic expectations often lead to guilt and depression when those expectations aren’t met. But we must remember, we are only ONE human. We are doing our BEST, and ONE human can not do it ALL.
There is help!
An agency like ABC Home Healthcare Professionals can step in to provide respite care, giving family caregivers the time and relief they need. While ABC offers a wide range of services to help loved ones live safely and independently at home, homemaking (light housekeeping, meal prep) and personal care (toileting, dressing, hygiene) are often the best starting points.
The best part of home care? Whether you need three hours a week or 24/7 support, YOU remain in control of the schedule and the level of care.
