Caregiver Burnout Score Calculator

Answer each statement based on how often you have felt this way over the past week. Based on the Zarit Burden Interview, this screen scores your current caregiver strain.

1. Do you feel that your relative asks for more help than they need?

2. Do you feel that because of the time you spend with your relative, you do not have enough time for yourself?

3. Do you feel stressed between caring for your relative and trying to meet other responsibilities?

4. Do you feel embarrassed about your relative’s behavior?

5. Do you feel angry when you are around your relative?

6. Do you feel that your relative currently affects your relationships with other family members or friends?

7. Are you afraid about what the future holds for your relative?

8. Do you feel your relative depends on you?

9. Do you feel strained when you are around your relative?

10. Do you feel your health has suffered because of your involvement with your relative?

11. Do you feel that you do not have as much privacy as you would like because of your relative?

12. Do you feel that your social life has suffered because you are caring for your relative?

13. Do you feel uncomfortable about having friends over because of your relative?

14. Do you feel that your relative seems to expect you to take care of them as if you were the only one?

15. Do you feel uncertain about what to do about your relative?

0/15 answered

What Is Caregiver Burnout?

Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that happens when someone takes on the long-term care of a loved one. It is common among family members caring for aging parents, partners with chronic illness, or children with special needs. Left unaddressed, burnout leads to fatigue, anxiety, depression, and a decline in the quality of care provided.

How the Caregiver Burnout Score Calculator Works

Our caregiver burnout score calculator uses a short self-report questionnaire adapted from the widely used Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). You rate 15 statements about your caregiving experience over the past week on a scale from *Never* to *Nearly Always*. Each answer is scored 0-4, producing a total caregiver burden score from 0 to 60.

Understanding Your Burnout Score

Score Range	Severity	What It Means
0 - 13	Low Burden	Little to no strain; sustainable caregiving
14 - 26	Mild Burden	Early stress signals; protect your routines
27 - 39	Moderate Burden	Clear toll; build stronger support
40 - 60	Severe Burden	High burnout; seek professional help

Common Signs of Caregiver Burnout

Feeling tired or drained most of the time
Sleep problems or changes in appetite
Irritability, anger, or resentment toward the care recipient
Withdrawing from friends, family, or hobbies
Anxiety, hopelessness, or depression
Physical symptoms like headaches or illness
Neglecting your own health needs

How to Reduce Caregiver Burnout

1. Ask for help: Share tasks with family, friends, or respite care services. 2. Schedule breaks: Protect regular time for yourself every day. 3. Join a support group: Connect with other caregivers who understand. 4. Stay healthy: Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and exercise. 5. Talk to a professional: A counselor or therapist can help you cope.

If your score falls in the moderate or severe range, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider or local caregiver support organization. You cannot pour from an empty cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

A score of 0-13 indicates low burden, which is the healthiest range. Higher scores (14-60) suggest increasing levels of caregiver strain that may need attention or support.

Our calculator is adapted from the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), a validated 22-item clinical screening tool. This simplified 15-item version gives a quick self-check and is not a clinical diagnosis.

The underlying ZBI is well-validated in research, but this free screening is for self-reflection only. For a formal assessment, consult a healthcare professional or social worker.

If your score is in the moderate (27-39) or severe (40-60) range, reach out to a doctor, counselor, or caregiver support service. Build a respite plan and share responsibilities with others as soon as possible.

Taking it every few weeks helps you track changes in your stress levels over time. A rising score is a useful early warning to adjust your support and self-care routine.