The document discusses the challenges of caregiver burnout, noting that 60% of caregivers are female and 40% report high stress levels. Caregiver stress can occur when the demands of caregiving outweigh a person's ability to meet those demands, potentially leading to burnout if stress is not managed. The document provides tips for caregivers to minimize stress such as asking for help, prioritizing self-care, exercising, and connecting with other caregivers.

1. Preventing Caregiver
Burnout
Today’s Moderator:
Dana Nolan, MS LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor

2. Caregiving in the US (2015 Report)
Findings from AARP and the National Alliance
for Caregiving survey of U.S. caregivers:
84 percent wanted more information on
keeping loved ones safe, managing their stress
and making end-of life decisions
60 percent are female
40 percent rated caregiving situation as
“highly stressful”
(877) 626-5916

3. Caregiver Stress
We feel stressed when our demands
outweigh our perceived or actual ability to
meet those demands.
When we are a caregiver to a loved one
with mesothelioma, we may feel like there
is not enough time in the day to take care
of our own responsibilities as well as caring
for our sick loved one.
(877) 626-5916

4. Demands of Caregiving
Drive to/from doctor appointments
Monitor medications/fill prescriptions
Shop and cook meals
Physically assist when loved one is weak
Household chores/yard work
Pet care
Pay bills
Emotional support
(877) 626-5916

5. Balance Caregiving with Life
Being a caregiver is a labor of love and is a
way to demonstrate our care and concern
for our loved one with mesothelioma.
Caregivers usually have their own
responsibilities (job, chores, parenting, etc.)
to fulfill as well.
It can be challenging to find a balance
between caregiving and meeting our own
needs.
(877) 626-5916

6. Lay Caregiving
Decades ago, most cancer treatment was given
in a hospital setting because patients were too
sick to be at home.
Today, most cancer treatment is given in the
outpatient setting, which allows patients to be
at home where they are more comfortable.
This trend has seen an increase in family
members and friends providing practical care
and emotional support, which has turned them
into “Lay Caregivers.”
(877) 626-5916

7. Symptoms of Caregiver Stress
Poor sleep
Irritability
Trouble concentrating
Increased smoking/alcohol use
Lack of energy
Social withdrawal
Resentment
Neglecting own needs
Poor memory
(877) 626-5916

8. Response to Caregiver Stress
Many caregivers respond to feeling
overwhelmed with caregiver stress by cutting
back on the very things that keep them
physically and emotionally balanced:
Exercise
Sleep
Healthy diet
Socializing with friends
Hobbies
(877) 626-5916

9. Why?
Some caregivers may think that frivolous
activities, such as hobbies, sleep and exercise,
are not necessary when there is so much to
do and not enough hours in the day.
In the short term, we can function without
enough sleep, exercise and recreational
activities, but we may soon feel the
discomfort of stress, and these “unnecessary
activities” are what relieve our stress.
(877) 626-5916

10. Caregiver Burnout
Caregiver stress can worsen into caregiver
burnout:
Feeling hopeless
Overwhelming fatigue
Becoming argumentative/irritable with patient
Getting sick due to weakened immune
response
Significant weight loss/gain
Headaches and muscle tension
(877) 626-5916

11. Burnout
The point when a caregiver is burned out
is when they should not be providing care
anymore as it is having a detrimental effect
on the caregiver and loved one.
(877) 626-5916

12. Minimizing Caregiver Stress
 Make it a habit to monitor your own health
(emotional and physical) as much as you monitor
your loved one’s health.
 Don’t try to be a “superhero” caregiver!
Ask for help.
Accept help when it is offered.
 Create a wish list of what you need. When
someone says “Let me know if there is anything I
can do to help,” take them up on it.
(877) 626-5916

13. Minimizing Caregiver Stress (cont.)
Put caring for yourself on your caregiver
“to-do list.”
Don’t put off your own medical care.
Schedule some social time at least once a week
for yourself.
Exercise 30 minutes three times a week. (Even
a walk in your neighborhood counts!)
(877) 626-5916

14. Minimizing Caregiver Stress (cont.)
Connect with other caregivers through
peer support or a group setting.
Many communities/hospitals have
caregiver support resources, and your
cancer center may be able to let you know
what is available in your area.
A Patient Advocate can help you locate
caregiver support resources near you.
(877) 626-5916

15. Sources
AARP. (2015) Caregiving in the U.S.
http://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/ppi/201
5/caregiving-in-the-united-states-2015-report-
revised.pdf
(877) 626-5916

16. Contact Information
1-877-626-5916
(877) 626-5916
Facebook.com/themesocenter
@TheMesoCenter