Home health professionals, particularly hospice workers, are susceptible to stress or compassion fatigue. These providers often deal with long shifts and stressful patient interactions. Many workers are also still dealing with intensified workloads caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
While these people provide an essential service to society, many home health workers quit after a few years due to the fatigue and stress associated with the job. Luckily, there are things employees can do to reduce the stress involved with being a hospice worker. Read below for more information on compassion fatigue and what can be done to combat it.
What Is Compassion Fatigue?
Compassion fatigue happens when empathy and concern for a patient leads to a heightened stress response. If caregivers are not given adequate time and space to recharge, it is possible for physical and psychological deterioration to occur.
What are the Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue?
While compassion fatigue can manifest itself in many ways, there are things that people should be on the lookout for in themselves and their colleagues. Here are some symptoms of compassion fatigue:
- Isolation from friends and family
- Increased feelings of irritation
- Increased complaining about work duties
- Insufficient self-care
- Substance abuse
- Feelings of intense sadness or depression
- Extreme fatigue
- Excessive blaming
- Trouble sleeping or relaxing
- Increased worrying
- Difficulty remembering things
While the signs of compassion fatigue can vary from person to person, it is important to recognize behavior changes in oneself and others. If a colleague who is usually happy and upbeat suddenly exhibits signs of depression or fatigue, compassion fatigue could be the cause.
Ways to Alleviate Fatigue and Stress Among Home Health and Hospice Care Providers
Stress, a core component of compassion fatigue, has a number of detrimental effects on the body. The long-term activation of the body’s stress response can lead to too much cortisol exposure. That exposure, combined with exposure to additional stress hormones, can cause serious health problems such as muscle tension, headaches, depression, and even heart disease. That’s why alleviating compassion fatigue is so important.
What can home health and hospice care workers do to minimize the impact of stress on the body?
1. Stay Active for Better Stress Relief
Stress can quite literally make someone sick. As they get more stressed out, their blood pressure rises. The lungs and heart work harder to sustain the additional stress. Fat and sugar are released into the body to give it the energy it needs to fight or flee.
During short times of stress, that’s how the body is meant to work. However, if you stay stressed in the long term, that stress can lead to chronic inflammation and related illnesses.
Fortunately, staying active can have a positive impact on your health. Just a 10-minute walk can help reduce stress hormones in the body.
2. Stay Connected to Your Loved Ones
It is healthy to maintain regular contact with friends and family, particularly if someone is feeling the need to isolate from others.
Keep in mind that while stress can negatively impact relationships, staying in touch with others can also help someone gain perspective. Additionally, feeling socially connected can have positive health effects to help offset the negative effects of stress.
3. Eat Better Meals
Many of us turn to fast food when feeling stressed or anxious, but sugar can be inflammatory and lead to health issues. Eating nutritious meals is not only important to maintain a healthy weight, but it can help with feelings of burnout. Workers should also make sure they stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep, at least seven hours a night.
4. Avoid Alcohol and Other Substances
While alcohol or drugs may reduce stress temporarily, excessive use can damage the body and lead to dependencies or addictions. Anyone should avoid increasing their alcohol intake if feeling stressed, misusing prescription drugs, or using illegal substances.
These tips may seem simple, but they can have life-changing effects on the body. Even though being a home health care or hospice worker can be stressful and devastating at times, these individuals need to take care of themselves so they’re prepared to care for others in the future.
