Good family caregivers understand things will not always go as planned. If you are a perfectionist, you could face difficulty managing your caregiving duties and likely experience burnout. You need to realize you cannot control everything, and it is best to let certain things go. Here are some of the reasons perfectionism leads to caregiver burnout.
1. Constant Fear
Family caregivers who are perfectionists believe they can help their loved ones recover within a specific amount of time. When this doesn’t happen, they experience fear and anxiety. However, if you develop realistic goals for your loved one’s recovery, you will likely not fear the worst when things do not work out as planned. Make sure to speak with your loved one’s doctor to receive information pertaining to your loved one’s illness, treatment options, and recovery statistics.
Caring for an aging loved one can be a difficult task, especially if you’re overwhelmed with constant fear or other negative emotions. If you are the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality home care, Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age.
2. Intolerance to Disorganization
Perfectionists need to be organized and cannot tolerate messy living conditions. They feel a sense of shame if the home is not in complete order, which is not always the case when caring for seniors, especially if the adults are living with cognitive issues. The disorganization could lead to burnout. When caring for your loved one, remember everything will not always be in perfect order in the home. Consider hiring an in-home caregiver who can help around the home and take some of the responsibility off of you.
Oshkosh respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
3. Exhaustion
If you are a perfectionist, you may be afraid to allow anyone else to care for your loved one. You want to be with him or her at all times, making sure everything goes according to your plans. With no breaks or no extended time away from your loved one, you will likely become mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted. Allow other people to assist with the caregiving duties. Trust that others can provide exceptional care for your loved one, just as you do.
4. Bad Relationships
It can be difficult for a family caregiver and his or her loved one to maintain a strong relationship if the caregiver is a perfectionist. If your expectations are too high, your loved one may feel pressured. As a result, the relationship could become fractured. To prevent detachment and challenging relationships, give your loved one the respect he or she deserves. Remember your loved one is doing the best he or she can, even if it is below your standards. Instead of giving up, allow your loved one to create a routine he or she likes, and remember to be supportive.
5. Lack of Satisfaction
Perfectionism prevents caregivers from believing their best is good enough. Instead, they are constantly trying to do better, which could cause stress, anxiety, and burnout. You need to accept you have done your best and be satisfied with the results. Keep in mind your value doesn’t come from achievement. It comes from knowing you have done your best. Your loved one will appreciate you are doing everything possible to help him or her live a happy and healthy life.
Family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties to stave off burnout should consider professional in-home care. Although it may be challenging to find a reliable, highly rated home care agency, Oshkosh, WI, families can turn to Senior Stride Home Care. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise. For more information and to schedule a complimentary consultation, please call one of our knowledgeable Care Managers at 920-717-1767 today.