Caregiving is a demanding role that can be both rewarding and challenging. One of the most significant challenges of caregiving is experiencing isolation and loneliness. Understanding the factors that contribute to this concern and finding effective strategies to mitigate these feelings is crucial for improving the wellbeing of caregivers and the quality of care they provide to others, whether the person needing assistance is a loved one or a client.
Why are caregivers lonely?
Caregivers provide essential assistance and support to someone unable to fully care for themselves due to illness, disability or age. Caregiving is an all-encompassing responsibility that often includes tasks such as helping with daily activities, managing medications and offering emotional support. Understanding why caregivers experience loneliness is the first step toward addressing it.
Lack of socialization. A caregiver’s schedule is often filled with responsibilities. Caregivers commonly have limited time for social interactions and may find it challenging to maintain relationships outside of their duties. Visits from loved ones could be restricted because the person needing care is immunocompromised or requires limited stimulation. Continued isolation from others often worsens feelings of loneliness.
Emotional toll. Caregivers can feel deep stress, frustration, anxiety and sadness, especially when they hold a close emotional connection to the person they care for. The emotional labor of caregiving is not commonly discussed or understood. These emotions can be compounded by the lack of understanding or empathy from others who may not fully grasp the caregiver’s situation. Without a supportive network, caregivers can feel isolated in their experiences.
Limited help. Many caretakers work alone or with limited support. Carrying the weight of another person's wellbeing can be stressful. It can also contribute to burnout, a feeling of emotional and physical exhaustion. Additionally, informal caretakers caring for family members may need to quit their jobs or reduce their hours to care for their loved ones, causing financial stress. Without breaks or adequate assistance, the challenge of caregiving can reinforce a sense of loneliness.
Neglected self-care. Caregiving is selfless, and caregivers often prioritize the person they care for over themselves. They may neglect eating properly, getting adequate rest or engaging in activities outside of their responsibilities. It is also common to question identity beyond that of being a caretaker. Ignoring emotional and physical health can lead to loneliness feeling more severe due to distress.
Treating caregiver loneliness
If you are a caregiver, here are steps you can take to cope with loneliness:
Discuss your feelings. Confiding in a friend, family member, mentor or counselor can help you feel more understood, lessening loneliness. Sometimes others will not relate to your feelings, but finding someone who can listen to you express yourself can be deeply comforting.
Find support from other caretakers. It can be helpful to have the support of others who understand the challenges of caretaking. Other caretakers may offer insight into beneficial ways of coping. Consider connecting with other caretakers online or joining a formal counseling group.
Get help. It is OK to ask for and accept help. Even a little assistance can reduce stress and loneliness. Friends and family can pitch in as additional caregivers, provide financial support or help with other responsibilities, like cleaning and buying groceries. Discuss paid leave and other benefits options with your employer if you work as a paid caregiver. Finding help will give you back some time and energy to socialize and lessen your burden of responsibility.
Take breaks. Making time for yourself can help you regulate challenging emotions, including loneliness. While caregiving, allow yourself to take short breaks whenever possible. Try mindfulness and meditation practices. Engage in activities that help you build an identity outside of caregiving.
Socialize when possible. Your time with others may be limited, but try to schedule moments to engage with friends and family. If you cannot socialize in person, communicate via phone, video or text. Even small moments of connection can help you feel less isolated.