When Caring Becomes Overwhelming: Signs It’s Time to Ask for Help
- admincohme
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Elyse Notarianni
Every November, during National Family Caregivers Month, we pause to honor the more than 53 million Americans who provide unpaid care to loved ones. These family caregivers help with everything from doctor’s appointments and medication management to meals, bathing, and companionship. Their devotion keeps loved ones safe at home, often preventing unnecessary hospitalizations or long-term facility stays.
But while caregiving is an act of love, it is also one of the toughest jobs there is. Many caregivers quietly shoulder the weight of responsibility, believing they should be able to manage it all. Over time, however, the demands of caregiving can become overwhelming — physically, emotionally, and financially. Recognizing when it’s time to ask for help is one of the most important steps a caregiver can take, for both themselves and the person they love.
Understanding Caregiver Burnout
Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that can occur when you’ve been caring for someone else without enough support for yourself. It builds slowly over time, making it easy to miss until it feels unmanageable.
Here are some of the most common warning signs:
Constant fatigue – Feeling tired no matter how much sleep you get.
Emotional strain – Experiencing mood swings, sadness, or a sense of hopelessness.
Neglecting your own health – Skipping medical appointments, eating poorly, or ignoring your own symptoms.
Isolation – Withdrawing from friends, hobbies, and social activities you once enjoyed.
Resentment or guilt – Feeling frustrated, then guilty for feeling that way.
If these signs feel familiar, you’re not alone. Studies show that nearly 1 in 4 caregivers report that their role has negatively affected their own health. Burnout is common — and preventable with the right support.
Why Asking for Help Is Essential
Many caregivers resist reaching out because they worry it means they’re “failing” or not doing enough. The truth is the opposite: asking for help is an act of strength and foresight.
Here’s why support matters:
Protects your health – You can’t pour from an empty cup. By caring for yourself, you can continue to show up fully for your loved one.
Improves quality of care – Professional caregivers can handle medical and personal tasks with skill, reducing the risk of complications or hospital readmissions.
Reduces stress at home – Sharing the workload eases tension within families and allows relationships to thrive.
Provides peace of mind – Knowing your loved one is safe, even if you need to step away, helps you breathe easier.
Caregiving is not a one-person job — it takes a team.
Practical Ways to Find Support
If you’re starting to feel the strain, here are some ways to lighten your load:
Start with small asks. Invite a family member to cook dinner once a week, or ask a neighbor to sit with your loved one for an hour while you rest.
Join a caregiver support group. Sharing your experiences with people who understand can be empowering and healing.
Explore professional options. Services like respite care or short-term home care provide reliable, trained assistance so you can recharge.
Plan breaks in advance. Schedule time for yourself just as you would a doctor’s appointment — because your well-being is just as important.
At COHME, we understand the challenges family caregivers face. Our short-term care services were designed with caregivers in mind — offering everything from a few hours a week to more comprehensive support during critical recovery periods. With nurse oversight and social worker guidance, families gain the assurance that their loved one is receiving safe, professional, and compassionate care.
You’re Not Alone
This National Family Caregivers Month, remember: caring for someone else should never mean losing yourself. When the weight of caregiving feels too heavy, it’s a signal that more support is needed — not a reflection of how much you love.
By recognizing the signs of burnout and reaching for help, you give yourself permission to rest, heal, and regain balance. And in doing so, you ensure your loved one continues to receive the best care possible.
👉 Learn more about how COHME’s home care services can support you and your family: COHME Care Services.