The Dementia Journey · A free resource from Caring Companions

Burnout Self-Check & Support Plan

Revisit this monthly, you check your car's oil more often than most caregivers check themselves. The Circle of Support fills in automatically if you built it in Module 8 on this device; otherwise the blanks print for filling in by hand.

Monthly self-check · mark any that are true lately

Exhausted even after sleep    Snapping over small things    Sick more often
Skipping my own appointments    Dreading the morning    Withdrawn from friends
Crying more days than not    Feeling trapped    Numb toward them
Hopeless about all of it    Thoughts of escape or self-harm

Three or more? The load needs to change: make one specific ask this week. Either of the last two? That's today's business, see the box below, and tell one human being how hard it has gotten.

Crisis numbers, no waiting required

988: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call or text, free, 24/7. Caregivers use it too.
911: any immediate danger.
(800) 272-3900: Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline, for the 2 a.m. questions.
Your own doctor. Burnout is a medical issue. Book the appointment.

My Circle of Support

Time with them (sitting, visits, overnights)

Rides (appointments, errands)

Money & paperwork

Checks in on ME

Emergency contacts (besides 911)

Professional resources I will contact

This week’s ONE ask (name + task + time)

From The Dementia Journey: A Free Course for Families Caring for Someone They Love · mo-care.com/dementia-journey · Caring Companions In-Home Senior Care, Springfield, MO · (417) 234-8494
This tool is education, not medical advice.