November 2025 Blog Carepartner Burden - Thriving vs. Surviving
Care Partner Burden - Thriving versus Surviving
How do we define a Care Partner?
Any person (family member or paid helper or loved one) who regularly looks after a person with need (elderly/disabled or a child)
Am I a Care Partner?
- You take on care responsibilities
- You make and attend appointments with them
- You may manage meals, finances and medications
- You advocate for the person you take care of
- They need you for day-to-day quality of life
- You take on tasks or responsibilities or assist with said tasks and responsibilities, once belonging to the other person, because they can no longer perform them safely or independently.
What does burden vs burnout look like?
Burden: (feeling overloaded and stressed)
- Heavy load of responsibility/duty/stress
- Feelings of being overwhelmed
- Feelings of strain: physical, emotional, social and financial
- It can be temporary
Burnout: (feeling empty and devoid)
- Chronic, unmanaged stress
- Emotional and physical exhaustion
- Cynicism or depersonalization (mental distance from situation and people)
- Reduced efficacy in your role (decreased competence and accomplishment)
How is Quality of Life defined?
It is your own perception of how well you are doing according to the 5 pillars of wellness: Physically, Mentally, Socially, with your safety and self-expression (achieving your own dreams and goals and expressing your talents) It’s influenced by your gender, culture, environment, upbringing and values.
Why is Quality of Life important to thrive:
- When your quality of life is impacted by your care partner role, your cup may start to run on empty: mood swings, low energy and having a hard time making decisions may manifest as symptoms.
- When you maintain your quality of life your cup stays filled so that you can serve your person living with dementia.
A few questions to consider when addressing your quality of life:
- Are denial and guilt barriers to asking for help?
- Do I know my own challenges during caregiving?
- How can I gain insight or perspective on my challenges?
- Do I know what matters most to me so I can fill my own cup?
How do I measure my quality of life:
- Take our Botes Quality of Life test (tool attached below)
- Calculate your score and determine which pilar scores are the lowest (see quick guide on how to improve these scores attached)
- Gain knowledge through our Care Partner training series (see link included) on how you can impact your quality of life
How to improve my quality-of-life quick start guide:
- Know what brings you and your person joy – make a list
- Do not wait on joyful moments: Schedule them into your day, week and month
- Be intentional about times for exercise and movement
- Be intentional about meal planning, diet and nutrition
- Set a hydration schedule for both you and your person.
- Be intentional about scheduling social interaction either at your home or trips outside of the home.
