Recognizing the Signs of Compassion Fatigue

As a caregiver for a senior loved one, it is common to feel overwhelmed at times.  Many care givers are balancing work, children, a home and an elderly parent.  If you find that you are struggling with balancing your many roles, it is important that you to understand how compassion fatigue can impact your family.

Compassion fatigue is defined as the loss of sympathy for the suffering of others experienced by caregivers due to the demands that have been placed upon them.  Caring for a senior loved one is challenging and it is imperative as a caregiver that you recognize the signs of compassion fatigue:

• Feelings of apathy (indifference)
• Feelings of isolation
• Becoming preoccupied with or complaining excessively about care giving demands
• Difficulty concentrating
• Decline in self care (including healthy eating, exercise, etc)

It is important to identify and address these feelings to prevent negative coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse, overeating or gambling.  If you find that you are struggling with symptoms of compassion fatigue, it is time to get help.

Take steps to ensure that you stay healthy, both emotionally and physically.  If you find that you need help with your senior loved one, there are many options for assistance with seniors.  If your senior loved one is not ready for a nursing home, an adult day care may be the perfect solution. 

Bon Vivant Adult Day Club is the premier adult day care provider located in Fenton, MO.  Our mission at Bon Vivant Adult Day Club is to ensure our members enjoy Good Living Longer.    We are licensed by the State of Missouri and welcome the opportunity to meet with you and your loved one to answer any questions you have about adult day care.  Please feel free to visit our website at www.goodlivinglonger.com or call us at 636-343-1600. 

Article by Beverly McKee, MSW, LCSW