Which behavior would indicate burnout in a hospice caregiver?

Which behavior would indicate burnout in a hospice caregiver?

• A. Going out to nightclubs with increased frequency.
• B. Spending more time with family.
• C. Being inactive on days off, decreasing contact with friends and family.
• D. Sleeping soundly and feeling refreshed.

Answer: (C)

Burnout in hospice caregiving shows up as emotional exhaustion with withdrawal from others. When a caregiver becomes inactive on days off and cuts back on contact with friends and family, it signals that they’re pulling away and isolating themselves as a coping response. That pattern reflects depleted energy and reduced motivation to engage socially, which can undermine the caregiver’s ability to provide compassionate, attentive care over time. Spending more time with family or waking up rested and refreshed would indicate better morale or recovery, not burnout. Going out to nightclubs more might be an attempt to cope or escape, but it doesn’t by itself demonstrate burnout.

Burnout in hospice caregiving shows up as emotional exhaustion with withdrawal from others. When a caregiver becomes inactive on days off and cuts back on contact with friends and family, it signals that they’re pulling away and isolating themselves as a coping response. That pattern reflects depleted energy and reduced motivation to engage socially, which can undermine the caregiver’s ability to provide compassionate, attentive care over time.

Spending more time with family or waking up rested and refreshed would indicate better morale or recovery, not burnout. Going out to nightclubs more might be an attempt to cope or escape, but it doesn’t by itself demonstrate burnout.