I've recently read a number of articles about compassion fatigue.  In short, people who focus their lives on caring for others are succeptible to become tired and less compassionate.  Compassion fatigue is also called secondary traumatic stress disorder.  It's a real problem that affects home care workers and other medical professionals including doctors.  There's a lot to learn about compassion fatigue and many sources of information and help.  Click here to google it.

Among the resources available to help, one of the most comprehensive and focused is the Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project has a site here.

In reviewing a number of articles with recommendations for overcoming compassion fatigue, here are a few top recommendations:

1. Recharge your batteries daily: Something as simple as committing to eat better and stopping all other activities while eating can have an exponential benefit on both your psyche and your physical body. A regular exercise regimen can reduce stress, help you achieve outer balance and re-energize you for time with family and friends (click here for source)
2. Spend plenty of quiet time alone: Learning mindfulness meditation is an excellent way to ground yourself in the moment and keep your thoughts from pulling you in different directions. The ability to reconnect with a spiritual source will also help you achieve inner balance and can produce an almost miraculous turnaround, even when your world seems its blackest.  (click here for source)
3. Hold one focused, connected and meaningful conversation each day: This will jump start even the most depleted batteries. Time with family and close friends feeds the soul like nothing else and sadly seems to be the first thing to go when time is scarce. (click here for source)
4. Do the Following (click here for source):  
   • Talk to your doctor or homeopath.
   • Talk to a therapist or pastor.
   • Rest. Eat Right. Participate in moderate exercise.
   • Learn and practice relaxation and/or meditation techniques.
   • Delegate as much of your responsibilities as possible.
   • Take as much time off as possible.

We hope that these suggestions will help you and your caregivers to stay healthy and avoid this debilitating affliction.

Ankota provides software to improve the delivery of care outside the hospital.  Today Ankota services home health, private duty care, DME Delivery, RT, Physical Therapy and Home Infusion organizations, and is interested in helping to efficiently manage other forms of care.  To learn more, please visit www.ankota.com or contact Ankota