Summary: Compassion Fatigue

Having a service like yoga that can benefit caregivers of older adults with dementia is essential because it ultimately can mean that caregivers are in a better physical and mental state which then means they can better care for their loved one as well. In addition self-care for caregivers is important because “over time, the stress of helping others can cause symptoms like anxiety, sleeplessness and irritability that interfere with everyday life. This response is often referred to as "compassion fatigue." Left untreated, compassion fatigue can lead to burnout and other conditions that may not go away on their own” (2014). Thus, it’s important that caregivers strive to avoid burned-out and implementing yoga for caregivers at adult day centers