6 warning signs of caregiver burnout

(NC) With a growing population that is aging, more and more of us are becoming caregivers. But this responsibility is having negative consequences for many of those who provide this unpaid and often unrecognized support.

According to the Canadian Carers Pulse Survey, 69 per cent of respondents reveal caregiving has taken a toll on their emotional health, while more than half said it affects their physical health. Signs you may have caregiver burnout include:

- You can’t fall asleep or you frequently wake up during the night.

- You experience a lack of energy during the day.

- You feel impatient or are easily agitated.

- You have trouble concentrating on simple tasks.

- You have stopped doing activities you once found enjoyable.

- You are more socially isolated from friends and family.

Fortunately, there is a new support program for caregivers feeling overwhelmed by the scope of their responsibilities.

The new Caregiver Friendly Pharmacy Program by Teva Pharmaceuticals helps connect them with the most accessible members of the healthcare system – pharmacists.

Through education tools, an online caregiver support network and a collection of resources, the program can help caregivers navigate the terrain of care, support their own well-being and advocate for their loved ones with increased knowledge, confidence and assistance from their pharmacy team who understands them.

An important caregiver self-assessment tool can help caregivers evaluate their own health and determine if it may be time to enlist additional support systems to avoid illness or burnout. To complete the assessment and get more information about the program, ask your pharmacist or check out tevacaregivers.com.