Glossary

What is Caregiver burnout?

Caregiver burnout is physical and emotional exhaustion from sustained caregiving, often with resentment, withdrawal and declining health of the caregiver themselves.

It builds slowly. The person doing the caring sleeps less, stops seeing friends, neglects their own appointments, and begins to feel that nothing they do is enough. It is common among spouses and adult children caring for a parent with dementia, and it is not a character flaw.

Respite, sharing the load, and a support group are the standard responses; so is admitting it early.

Why it matters

A burnt-out caregiver gets ill, and then two people need care.

Caregiver burnout where you live

The local guide on this, for each city we cover.

Related terms

All terms