How to Handle Caregiver Burnout During a Crisis or Emergency

Family caregivers are among the most resilient people in the world. However, just because they are resilient doesn’t mean it’s not exhausting to the point of depletion. especially during emergencies. Discover how to handle caregiver burnout during emergencies so you’ll have enough strength to power through the crisis in your family. 

When a crisis hits—whether it’s a medical emergency, natural disaster, or sudden health decline—caregivers often bear the brunt of the stress. You’re expected to stay calm, make life-changing decisions, and be the pillar of strength. But what happens when you’re the one breaking down?

The Impact of Caregiver Burnout

Almost 60% of caregivers experience burnout from time to time. Unlike professional caregivers, family caregivers don’t have day offs and end of shift moments where they can take time for themselves. They don’t have long breaks and wonder how long it’ll take to be in that role. 

Dr. Sammy Winemaker, a palliative care physician, mentioned that caregiver burnout that they often notice with the inner crew of their patients manifests as:

• Increased irritability
• Losing weight
• Obvious signs of self-neglect
• Eating problems
• Consistent crying
• Over and under sleeping
• Lacks compassion towards their loved one
• Constantly stressed
• Not accepting help from other people 
• Lack of enjoyment in the things they used to love
• Low in mood
• Feelings of resentment towards their loved one 

If you have caregiver burnout and an emergency breaks out for your loved one, the situation can be more than what you can carry. That’s not a good spot to be in, that’s why it’s best to know how to handle things before it gets way out of hand. 

How to Handle Caregiver Burnout During a Crisis or Emergency

Caregiver burnout can break an already exhausted family caregiver. If you don’t have a plan, stress can quickly spiral into exhaustion, resentment, and poor decision-making.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Here’s how to stay calm and navigate high-stress situations while protecting your own well-being.

Step 1: Recognize the Early Signs of Burnout

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight—it builds up over time. If you’re facing extreme fatigue, anxiety, mood swings, or difficulty concentrating, your body is sending a clear message: You need help.

You are not a bad person for being burnt out. You may have noticed it from the start and asked your friends and family only to be met with a hard no. This has been experienced by a lot of family caregivers. 

It can be devastating to not get help from your loved ones but that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve help. Whenever family caregiver feel helpless they show common signs of burnout during emergencies, such as:

• Feeling emotionally numb or detached
• Snapping at loved ones or medical staff
• Trouble making decisions under pressure
• Physical symptoms like headaches or digestive issues
• Insomnia, even when exhausted

Ignoring these signs won’t just affect you—it can impact your loved one’s care. A burned-out caregiver is more likely to make mistakes or wrong decisions, which can be dangerous in an emergency.

Step 2: Use the ‘ABCDE’ Method to Stay Calm

In a high-stakes situation, emotions can cloud your judgment. Use this simple ABCDE method in setting priorities to regain control and composure:

• A – Assess the Situation: Take a step back and focus on what needs immediate attention. Is it a medical crisis? A logistical issue? Prioritize what’s urgent.
• B – Breathe Deeply: Controlled breathing lowers stress and can help you think clearly. Give the 4-7-8 method a try—inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8. Repeat.
• C – Communicate Clearly: Whether speaking to doctors, paramedics, or family members, be direct, calm, and specific about what you need.
• D – Delegate Tasks: You don’t have to do everything. It’s not a measure of your strength to take in everything. You are already strong for being a family caregiver. Assign responsibilities to trusted family members or professionals to lighten your load. During emergencies it’s important to set aside feelings of shame and ask as much help as you can. 
• E – Expect Emotional Waves: Stressful moments trigger fear, frustration, or even guilt. Acknowledge these emotions, but don’t let them take over and focus on what needs to be done objectively. You can deal with what you feel about the situation later. 

Step 3: Create an Emergency Caregiving Plan

Preparation is your best defense against burnout. Have a plan in place before a crisis hits so you’re not making rushed decisions under pressure.

• Keep Medical Documents Ready: Have a folder with your loved one’s medical history, medications, and emergency contacts. Keep all your health insurance in place as well as tax filings. These are all important when getting grants or any sort of financial help.
• Know Your Support Network: List people who can step in—whether it’s siblings, a neighbor, or a professional caregiver. Any person who is willing and won’t add to your stress would greatly help like someone you can trust with your children in times of emergency. 
• Set Boundaries: One of the most important things you remember as a family caregiver is to not involve more stressors to an already stressful situation. If you know certain family members create more stress than solutions, limit their involvement during emergencies.

Step 4: Prioritize Your Own Well-Being

It might feel impossible to focus on yourself when your loved one is in crisis, but self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival. Eating or getting a nap may not solve your problems but it can help make you nourished enough to make sound decisions. Without you no one will decide and handle all the legal matters. Consider taking care of yourself as taking care of them too. 

• Fuel Your Body:Fuel Your Body: Eat protein-rich snacks, stay hydrated, and manage caffeine intake to keep your energy stable.
• Take Short Mental Breaks: Give yourself a short moment of breaks to regroup with your thoughts and think clearly. Even stepping outside for five minutes of fresh air can reset your mind.
• Seek Emotional Support: A quick call to a trusted friend or a professional counselor can provide much-needed relief. Don’t be afraid to take space during very difficult moments. 

Step 5: Know When to Seek Professional Help

If an emergency situation has left you feeling completely drained, resentful, or unable to function, it may be time to consider professional caregiving assistance. Caregiver burnout can make you act out of character and do things differently than what you intended. 

A loved one, friend, or home health care services can step in to provide relief, allowing you to recover and regain balance. You also need to recover and get the adrenaline out of your system before it makes you sick too. 

You’re Not Alone: Let Essential Wellness Support You 

Caregiving in a crisis is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. By recognizing burnout early, preparing in advance, and prioritizing your own well-being, you can navigate emergencies with clarity and resilience—without losing yourself in the process.

Even the strongest family caregivers need help too. Essential Wellness is an option that you can call in times where loved ones are not available or willing to step in. We are a home health agency that caters:

• Personal Support (Daily living support)
• Life Skills (Companionship)
• Respite Care / Skilled Respite
• Analysis and Behavior Assistant services (ABA)
• Nursing
  • Private Duty Nurse
  • Skilled Nurse
  • Residential Nurse
• Therapy
  • Speech Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
• Homemaker & Companion
• Specialized Mental Health

You don’t have to do this alone. Get a FREE consultation and let us lighten the load. Caregiving shouldn’t break you. it should be shared.