The Caregiver Trap 

Many caregivers fall into thinking: 

• "I'm the only one who can do this" 
• "Asking for help means I'm failing" 
• "They took care of me, now it's my turn" 
• "I promised I'd never put them in a home" 

Reality check: These beliefs lead directly to burnout. 

Assessing Your Current Situation 

Ask yourself honestly: 

• Am I getting at least 7 hours of sleep per night? 
• Do I have time for activities I enjoy? 
• Am I maintaining my own health appointments? 
• Can I leave my loved one safely for a few hours? 
• Do I have someone to talk to about my feelings? 
• Am I taking breaks during the day? 

If you answered "no" to three or more - you're at high risk for burnout. 

Understanding Your Care Capacity 

Think of caregiving like a battery: 

• Full charge (100%): Energized, patient, capable 
• Half charge (50%): Managing but tired 
• Low battery (25%): Irritable, exhausted, making mistakes 
• Empty (0%): Complete burnout 

Where are you right now? 

Permission to Set Boundaries 

You are allowed to: 

• Say no to additional responsibilities 
• Take breaks without guilt 
• Ask family members to contribute 
• Hire professional help 
• Consider facility care when needed 
• Prioritize your own health 

Boundaries aren't abandonment - they're survival.