Signs of Caregiver Burnout

Caregiving is demanding. Regular stress can easily turn into burnout if you do not get breaks. Watch for these common signs of caregiver stress so you can step in before your health suffers.

Caregiving demands change over time. During the middle stage of Alzheimer’s, which typically lasts the longest, a person may experience sleep disruption and wandering. This increases the physical toll on you. In the late stage, around-the-clock help with personal care becomes necessary.

What Helps Reduce Caregiver Stress

Small changes make a big difference in managing your energy. You need to prioritize your own well-being to continue supporting your loved one.

• Take regular breaks: Step away from your duties to rest or do something you enjoy.
• Share duties with a care-team calendar: Divide tasks among family members, friends, or neighbors so one person does not carry the whole load.
• Eat well, exercise, and rest: Maintaining your physical health gives you the stamina required for daily caregiving.
• Use relaxation techniques: Simple breathing exercises or meditation can help lower daily anxiety.
• Plan ahead: Organizing legal, financial, and medical documents early reduces panic during emergencies.
• Use free education programs: Learning more about your loved one’s condition helps you prepare for future changes.

If you are employed, you may qualify for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This federal law provides up to 12 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period to care for a spouse, parent, or child with a serious health condition. Ask your employer about your eligibility and any paid leave policies.

Finding the right caregiver support early prevents burnout from taking over your life.

If you are already caring for a relative in Philadelphia, you might be eligible to get paid for your time. Call New Century Home Care at 215-974-0000 or visit our contact page to fill out the form (select “I am a caregiver” and “I already have a client”).

Practical Relief Programs in Pennsylvania

Philadelphia residents have access to specific state and local programs designed to ease the burden on family caregivers.

Respite Care

Respite care provides temporary relief for unpaid caregivers. The Community HealthChoices (CHC) waiver covers respite services for eligible participants. This care can take place in your home, the home of a friend or relative, or sometimes in a nursing facility.

Families can also hire private respite care through a licensed agency to take a few hours or days off each week.

PA Caregiver Support Program

The PA Department of Aging runs a program that reimburses primary unpaid caregivers for out-of-pocket expenses. In Philadelphia, you apply through the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) at 215-765-9040.

Eligible caregivers can receive up to $600 a month to cover caregiving supplies, respite services, and adult day care. You must be 18 or older caring for someone 60 or older with functional deficits, or someone of any age with Alzheimer’s or a related disorder. Learn more about the PA Caregiver Support Program.

Paid Caregiving for Relatives

The CHC waiver allows family members to be paid for providing Personal Assistance Services. However, the waiver will not pay the participant’s spouse, legal guardian, representative payee, or power of attorney.

If you meet the requirements, you can get paid to care for family through a licensed agency like New Century Home Care.

Local Support Groups

Connecting with others who understand your situation provides emotional relief. The Penn Memory Center in Philadelphia runs virtual support groups and a seven-week skills program for dementia caregivers.

The Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter also offers free local caregiver support groups by phone, video, or in person. You can call their 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900 for immediate support. Joining local support groups helps you share practical advice and reduce feelings of isolation.

When to Talk to a Doctor

Caregiving stress can cause real physical and mental health problems. If you experience regular signs of burnout—such as constant exhaustion, severe anxiety, depression, or new physical ailments—talk to your doctor.

Do not ignore your own health. A medical professional can help you manage depression or anxiety and connect you with counseling resources. If your loved one’s behavior becomes too difficult to manage safely at home, consult their doctor about adjusting their care plan.

Let us help you find the right support. Call New Century Home Care at 215-974-0000 or fill out our online form. Choose “I am a caregiver” and then “I already have a client” to learn about employment options.