Caregiver Burnout Quiz

Caregiving is a privilege and an honor for most families. But it’s also hard work and takes a toll on the caregiver. Caregiver burnout is more than just being a little tired or stressed. It can have serious consequences for you and the one you’re caring for.

Do you have caregiver burnout?

Take our caregiver burnout quiz to see where you fall on the burnout scale – and find out what you can do to take care of yourself while also caring for a loved one. Use our quiz to help answer some of the following questions:

• How do you determine if you’re experiencing caregiver burnout?
• What are some common signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout?
• What are some strategies for managing caregiver burnout and taking care of myself while caring for a loved one?

What’s Your ‘Yes’ Score?

5 or Less: Little to No Burnout

It sounds like you’re managing the demands of caregiving fairly well right now. But caring for a loved one is a long-term commitment, so put practices into place now to help you down the road.

Things you can do: Stay Healthy

Monitor your emotions and start dealing with them instead of pushing them aside. Take care of your health by eating, staying hydrated and taking a break. Recognize your limits, learn to say no, and have a plan for self-care so you’ll be able to continue being an effective caregiver.

6-10: Flirting with Burnout

You may feel like you’re “just having a moment,” but be aware that this stage can be a tipping point for many people. If you don’t deal with the building stress, your risk for a full-blown burnout is much higher.

Things you can do: Talk It Out

This may be a good time to evaluate how much longer you can realistically care for your loved one. Will you be physically, mentally, emotionally and financially able to provide long-term care? Home services or senior living may be a better way to provide the kind of care your loved one needs, so start having that conversation with your family.

11-15: Mild to Moderate Burnout

Your body and your emotions are trying to tell you something – you’re doing too much. You’re so busy taking care of someone else that you’ve neglected yourself. The mental and physical stress caregivers are under makes them more prone to chronic conditions and even premature death.

Things you can do: Ask for Help

Talk to your doctor about your well-being. Join a caregiver support group so you have an outlet with people who understand. Ask for help with things like running errands, or see if a friend can bring you dinner so you don’t have to cook. You can also explore respite options at senior living communities so you can have a break.

16-20: Severe Burnout

You’ve pushed your limits too far. At this point, your welfare and that of your loved one are at serious risk. You’re at risk of depression, anxiety, heart attack or stroke. Caregivers at this stage of burnout aren’t able to provide adequate physical and emotional care. And that means you risk neglecting your loved one.

Things you can do: Your top priority right now should be you.

If you haven’t done so already, talk with your doctor about your physical and mental health. Join a caregiver support group. Make arrangements for alternative sources of care until you can restore balance to your own well-being. And consider researching senior living options for your loved one so they can get round-the-clock care – and you can start healing.

Download Full Quiz

Where You Live Matters

Where You Live Matters is powered by the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), a respected voice in the senior housing industry. ASHA primarily focuses on legislative and regulatory advocacy, research, and educational opportunities and networking for senior living executives, so they can better understand the needs of older adults across the country.

_{Originally Published: September 19, 2018 – Updated On: July 19, 2024}