(BPT) - One in five Americans is a caregiver, meaning they regularly assist relatives, spouses, friends or neighbors with basic tasks like feeding and dressing.

And as our population ages, the need for caregivers is expected to grow even more. Roughly 3% of Americans currently have long-term care insurance, leaving many to rely on family caregivers for regular support.

Utilize available resources

While caregiving can be rewarding and emotionally fulfilling, it can also lead to high levels of stress and fatigue.

"For many people, becoming a caregiver isn't a choice; it's the result of a crisis," says Dr. Michelle Bolden, the founder of Call for Caring who earlier this year received her DNP from Chamberlain University. "When you're placed in this situation, you must be willing to ask for the help you need, whether that's from family, friends or community members, and utilize the resources that are out there." Call for Caring's website, for example, offers information, programs and grants to support caregivers locally in Atlanta and nationwide.

Pillars of successful caregiving

Dr. Eboni Green, co-founder of Caregiver Support Services and academic program coordinator at Walden University, advises those considering family caregiving to ensure they have the necessary skills to effectively navigate these new responsibilities. She says, "While you may not foresee every challenge, having the right training, a supportive community and the necessary tools can significantly impact your caregiving experience and help you be the best version of yourself."

Dr. Green's recent book, "The 7 Pillars of Successful Caregiving," outlines the importance of self-care, empathy, empowerment, kindness, patience, communication awareness and active listening. In particular, she emphasizes the significance of empowerment in creating a supportive environment. "By embracing empowerment, the focus shifts towards enhancing individual capacities, fostering self-awareness," she says. "This approach not only nurtures personal growth but also cultivates a sense of agency and autonomy in those under care."

Preventing burnout

Professional and nonprofessional caregivers alike can easily become emotionally, physically and mentally exhausted. Nearly half of caregivers receive no formal support, and 36% report feelings of depression. In honor of National Nurses Week, Drs. Green and Bolden advise their fellow nurses and caregivers on strategies to combat burnout:

• Take a real break: Take time to step away and recharge. At the end of the day, leave your work at work.
• Avoid overcommitting: Be mindful before taking on extra shifts. Prioritize time with family and personal activities.
• Challenge negative thoughts: Identify self-critical thinking patterns and replace them with positive affirmations. Remember your "why."
• Emphasize self-care: Dedicate time to activities that nurture your well-being and stick to them. Quick and inexpensive techniques like mindfulness and meditation work wonders.

"There are so many pathways you can take within nursing, like academia or healthcare administration," Dr. Bolden shares. "If you're experiencing burnout, I'd recommend exploring if a different branch of nursing might be a better fit for you." If you're ready to take the next step in your nursing career, visit Chamberlain.edu and Waldenu.edu to explore their flexible program offerings.