How can I get some help for caregiver burnout?

Caregivers are notorious for thinking that asking for help is a sign of weakness and that they can handle it all by themselves. Many times, they are secretly wishing that someone would just come in and help without being asked. When that doesn't happen, they can begin to become angry (usually with other family members who are [sometimes] clueless as to the caregiver's needs). There are resources at your disposal. Begin by asking other family members to help. They may actually say yes. And if they say yes, they will quickly learn how much work is actually involved in caregiving. Often friends and neighbors want to be of help. Place a pen and pad of paper by your phone with a list of things that people can do to help you. When someone calls and asks how they can be of assistance, a list of items will be there for you to share with them. It's probably best not to turn over your entire list to them though. Also, check out adult day care centers, part-time home care from a reputable senior companion agency, county nursing services, short-term respite care from a local assisted living facility, adult social services programs, as well as senior drop-in centers and other community-based activities. Any break you can get on a regular basis will help your stress level drop, as well as provide a needed break for your loved one, too.