Published on September 3, 2026
Caring for an aging parent, a spouse living with dementia, or a chronically ill loved one is an act of profound dedication. However, over time, many informal caregivers experience persistent exhaustion, irritation and frequent minor illnesses such as common cold. These symptoms may indicate a burnout.
Burnout Is Not Just “Emotions”
Informal caregiver burnout is not just an emotional reaction. Caregivers live in constant anticipation—listening for the sound of a fall, dispensing medications at regular intervals, and staying ready for the next crisis. This state of sustained hypervigilance results in persistently high levels of stress hormones like cortisol and could predispose to:
- Severe exhaustion that persists despite resting
- Forgetfulness
- Feeling numb, irritable, anxious, or depressed
- Physical symptoms such as high blood pressure, headaches
- Frequent colds due to a suppressed immune system
Steps to Protect Caregiver Health
The patient’s continued care is possible only if the caregiver remains physically and mentally healthy. Informal caregivers must therefore prioritize their health and reach for help when necessary. Here are some of the ways in which caregivers can take care of their own health:
- Schedule regular, complete breaks away from the caregiving environment. Ask family members to cover shifts, hire in-home respite support, or utilize local adult day health programs.
- Aim for at least 4 to 5 hours of continuous, uninterrupted sleep daily.
- Undergo regular health checks. Tell your primary care provider that you are a primary caregiver, so that they may assess you for physical or mental changes due to the constant stress.
- Talk to a licensed counselor or join a caregiver support group to you can share your experiences and find support.
Reference:
Dementia Caregiver Burden (Cheng, 2017): Explains how managing a loved one’s memory and behavioral changes creates physical stress on family caregivers. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-017-0818-2
Alves, L. C. d. S., Monteiro, D. Q., Bento, S. R., Hayashi, V. D., Pelegrini, L. N. d. C., & Vale, F. A. C. (2019). Burnout syndrome in informal caregivers of older adults with dementia: A systematic review. Dementia & Neuropsychologia, 13(4), 415–421. https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-57642018dn13-040008
Tziaka, E.; Tsiakiri, A.; Vlotinou, P.; Christidi, F.; Tsiptsios, D.; Aggelousis, N.; Vadikolias, K.; Serdari, A. A Holistic Approach to Expressing the Burden of Caregivers for Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review. Healthcare 2024, 12, 565. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12050565
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