Caregiver Burnout

Caregiving for someone with dementia is one of the hardest jobs a human can do. Burnout is not weakness, it is the predictable result of giving more than you receive, for longer than anyone should. Catching it early is how you keep going.

• You cannot pour from an empty cup, and yours is being used constantly.
• Burnout shows up in the body before the mind admits it.
• Asking for help is part of the job, not a failure at it.
• Small, repeatable rest matters more than rare big breaks.

• Constant tiredness that sleep doesn't fix.
• Snapping at the person you love.
• Loss of interest in things that used to bring joy.
• Headaches, body aches, or getting sick more often.

• Take 5 quiet minutes today. Breathe. Sit. That counts.
• Name one task you can hand to someone else this week.
• Step outside once a day, even for 60 seconds.
• Reach out to one person, text, call, or a support group.