Recommendations for Preventing Caregiver Burnout
Every day, millions of Americans take on a role that rarely appears in labor statistics but is essential to the well-being of countless families:
Family caregiver.
These are individuals who help aging parents, spouses, children with disabilities, or relatives with chronic illnesses perform basic activities of daily living.
They also assist with medical appointments, medication management, and maintaining their loved one’s independence.
According to the Caregiving in the U.S. 2025 report by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving:
Approximately 63 million Americans currently provide unpaid care to a family member or loved one.
While this work is essential to both the healthcare system and families, experts warn that it can have significant consequences when caregivers do not receive adequate support.
Many caregivers experience:
- Chronic stress
- Burnout
- Anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Depression
That is why organizations like Careforth provide resources, guidance, and ongoing support to people who dedicate much of their time to caring for others.
In Massachusetts, Careforth actively participates in initiatives designed to strengthen the well-being of families providing long-term care, particularly in communities facing economic, social, or language barriers.
Careforth specialists note that one of the greatest challenges is that many caregivers devote all of their energy to caring for someone else while neglecting their own health.
Self-Care Is Not a Luxury
Norma Jaramillo, a Careforth professional, explains that one of the most common misconceptions is that self-care is optional.
“Taking care of yourself is not a luxury. It is a fundamental part of the caregiving process,” she says.
According to Jaramillo, maintaining physical and emotional health helps caregivers preserve the energy, patience, and resilience needed to provide long-term care.
When caregivers become exhausted, the quality of care they provide may also be affected.
Caregiver Burnout Is Becoming Increasingly Common
Experts use the term caregiver burnout to describe the physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can develop after long periods of caregiving.
The condition usually develops gradually, and many people do not recognize the symptoms until they become severe.
Common warning signs include:
- Constant fatigue
- Frequent irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Anxiety
- Feelings of sadness
- Social isolation
- Lack of energy for everyday activities
If you’d like to learn more about the warning signs of caregiver burnout, how to recognize them early, and strategies to prevent it, we invite you to read this Careforth article:
Prioritize Rest and Personal Health
According to Jaramillo, rest is one of the first aspects of life to suffer when someone takes on caregiving responsibilities.
Interrupted sleep, ongoing worries, and emotional demands can lead to accumulated fatigue.
She recommends:
- Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
- Taking short breaks whenever possible during the day
- Sharing caregiving responsibilities when possible
- Asking family members or friends for help
She also emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy habits.
Recommendations include:
- Eating a balanced diet
- Staying hydrated
- Exercising regularly
- Attending preventive medical checkups
- Setting aside time for enjoyable activities
Acknowledging Your Emotions Is Also Part of Self-Care
Caregivers often experience a wide range of emotions.
Feelings of frustration, guilt, sadness, and worry are common, especially as a loved one’s care needs increase over time.
Jaramillo explains that recognizing these emotions and talking about them can help prevent more serious mental health issues.
Seeking professional support, joining a caregiver support group, or simply talking with trusted friends or family members can make a meaningful difference.
Asking for Help Is Also a Form of Caring
Many caregivers feel they must shoulder every responsibility on their own.
However, experts agree that accepting help is not a sign of weakness or lack of commitment.
On the contrary, sharing responsibilities and building a support network can reduce stress and help prevent burnout.
A Public Health Priority
As the population continues to age, family caregivers are becoming increasingly important.
Many healthcare organizations believe that supporting caregivers will be one of the major public health challenges of the coming decades.
For experts like Norma Jaramillo, the message is clear:
Taking care of yourself does not mean abandoning a loved one.
It means developing the physical and emotional strength needed to continue caring for them over the long term.
Watch the full interview here.
Resources for Caregivers in Massachusetts
Careforth
Phone: 866-797-2333
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (ET); Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ET).
Provides caregiver support, training, guidance, and programs for family caregivers, including resources for those caring for older adults and individuals with long-term care needs.
Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE)
Phone: 800-243-4636
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Provides free information about services for older adults, caregivers, housing, transportation, nutrition, community support, and state programs throughout Massachusetts.
Interpreter services are available in more than 100 languages.
Family Caregiver Support Program (Massachusetts)
Phone: 800-243-4636 (MassOptions)
A free program that connects family caregivers with care specialists, support groups, caregiver education, personalized guidance, and respite care services.
AARP Caregiving Resources
Caregiver Support Line: 1-877-333-5885
Offers caregiving tools, planning guides, educational resources, and support for family members caring for loved ones.
If you would like more practical tips for preventing caregiver burnout, we invite you to watch Careforth’s full interview.
Visit the Careforth booth at MyHealthFair.com, where you’ll find resources, guidance, and tools designed to support caregivers and their families throughout the year.
Download the Caregiver Workbook
If you are caring for a family member or friend, this practical Spanish-language workbook offers valuable information, recommendations, exercises, and tools to help you organize caregiving responsibilities, reduce stress, and connect with helpful resources.
