Two terms you may hear used interchangeably sometimes are “caregiver fatigue” and “compassion fatigue.” While these both sound similar, they are actually different. If you are the primary caregiver for your loved one, it is important to be aware of both, as either or both may affect you.

Knowing what caregiver fatigue and compassion fatigue are helps you take steps to prevent them, or recognize them and get on a path to recovery if they come up.

Caregiver Fatigue is a Form of Burnout

Caregiver fatigue is also called “caregiver stress,” “caregiver burden,” and “caregiver burnout.”

Indeed, it is a form of burnout which comes on gradually over an extended period of time caring for a loved one.

Caregiver fatigue results in a person feeling more and more worn out and worn down. Eventually, they will hit a point of burnout where they have nothing left to give. If they do, they will usually either break down, or keep doing it anyway at an escalating physical and psychological toll. You can think of it a bit like overdrawing a bank balance. One way or another, it will come due.

Preventing caregiver burnout is necessary both for the wellbeing of the caregiver, and for the wellbeing of the patient. A person who cannot take sufficient care of themselves cannot keep doing it effectively for someone else. That is why respite care is so vital (more on that later in this post).

Compassion Fatigue is Related to Trauma

Now that you understand what caregiver burnout is, we can discuss compassion fatigue.

Compassion fatigue is said to encompass burnout as well as what is called “secondary traumatic stress” (STS). STS is usually more sudden in onset than burnout. But as burnout and STS can occur together, there may be both sudden and gradual elements to the development of compassion fatigue.

A caregiver with compassion fatigue typically experiences burnout symptoms, along with the added symptom of emotional disconnect. Their ability to empathize sudden decreases, and may be replaced by feelings of apathy and helplessness.

Compassion fatigue comes from secondary traumatic stress, but it can be a traumatic experience in and of itself. It can be disconcerting to suddenly feel one can no longer connect empathetically to the people one cares about.

Someone who is experiencing compassion fatigue, but is unfamiliar with it, may have no idea what is happening to them, and feel guilty or afraid.

Let Us Help You Support and Care for Your Loved One

Did you know that hospice includes respite care? This is a benefit for caregivers, providing up to five days of respite time. During the respite, staff take over the caregiver’s role, allowing the caregiver to take a break. This can help to prevent burnout, and give the caregiver space to process trauma.

To learn more, please give us a call at (470) 395-6567. We provide care to patients and their loved ones throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area.

When a loved one has dementia, your first instinct will likely be to try and find a way to slow down the disease’s progression.

While there is no way to cure dementia at this time, you can make a difference for your loved one’s cognitive health and overall wellbeing.

Below are some simple ways you can stimulate your loved one’s brain health and improve their quality of life with dementia.

1. Socialize. You may be aware that staying social can help reduce the risk of developing dementia. But did you know it can also help patients who already have this disease? The Alzheimer’s Society writes, “Research presented at Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) found that ten minutes of social interaction a day helps improve wellbeing for people with dementia in care homes.” Try to be there in person for your loved one when you can. But even if you cannot, try to at least socialize with them electronically while they are able to do that. Even a few minutes a day of social interaction can help. So, do not avoid socializing just because you are worried you do not have enough time to dedicate. Every little bit counts.
2. Play games. Games that exercise the brain can help with dementia. Try playing board games, crossword puzzles, word games, number games, memory games and more with your loved one. You can modify games to make them easier if necessary.
3. Do physical activities. It is easy to overlook, but physical sports involve a strong cognitive component. So, participating in them can be helpful for brain health. Look for sports your loved one can safely participate in (even something as simple as bowling can be a good choice, and does not require moving around too much).
4. Learn new things. Finally, another great way to keep the brain sharp is to keep stretching it in new directions by learning new things. This could be new skills, or simply new knowledge. You can help facilitate this learning for your loved one by participating in it with them. Attend a class with them, or take them to a museum, or try a new hobby with them. Learning new things is often less intimidating when you do it with someone else. Plus, you can help guide them forward through their symptoms.

Learn How Golden Rule Hospice Can Help

Being there for your loved one through socializing and shared activities is a great way to help maintain their cognitive health while you also provide crucial emotional support.

At Golden Rule Hospice, we care for many patients with dementia, and have staff and volunteers who can help provide social and cognitive support along with other services to increase comfort and maintain autonomy.

To learn more about our services, please give us a call at (470) 395-6567. We offer end-of-life care to patients with dementia and other health conditions throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area.