Caregiving for an elderly loved one can be very rewarding, even when it is hard work and causes stress. No one can be fully prepared for all of the challenges of care giving, though. The task and responsibilities involved can be demanding. Caregiving presents physical and mental and, usually, financial challenges to the caregiver. Caregiving often involves sacrifices, restrictions, and competing responsibilities.

The many conflicts and responsibilities that come with caring for an older person can isolate a caregiver, compromise relationships, threaten job opportunities, lead to mounting anger, frustration, guilt, anxiety, depression, stress, a sense of helplessness and exhaustion that is sometimes called caregiver burnout.

Caregivers can do only so much as individuals, and the help they may receive from family members and friends may not be enough. The Merck Manual of Health & Aging offers the following strategies for avoiding caregiver burnout…