Caregiver guilt arises from many different sources, but it all adds up to additional stress when you’re providing care for an elderly loved one. Use these strategies to manage your guilt before it interferes with your wellbeing.
Accept What You Feel
It’s normal to feel caregiver guilt, and trying to deny your true feelings will only contribute to more stress. In most instances, caregiver guilt is due to role conflicts that leave you questioning every decision. Acknowledging your negative emotions can help you find ways to begin moving forward with a plan to relieve your guilt.
An in-home caregiver can provide high-quality care to your loved one, allowing you to take some time off to relax and de-stress. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of at-home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
Change Your Focus
Another cause of caregiver guilt is worrying you’re not spending enough time with your loved one. However, your loved one likely cares more about the quality of the time you spend together rather than how many hours you visit a week. Instead of focusing on the time involved, shift your direction to planning enjoyable activities together that strengthen your bond.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to prevent guilt. In Auburn, home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
Get a Handle on Your Past
It can be difficult to be a caregiver when you have lingering resentments due to past experiences with your loved one. For example, you may find yourself treating your parent harshly when you feel as though he or she didn’t give you the childhood you deserved. When these emotions contribute to your guilt, talking to a professional can help you heal from your past experiences.
Delegate Responsibilities
At times, your loved one may have more requests than you can handle. Not being able to meet all of your parent’s needs can also contribute to caregiver guilt. Be willing to ask others to help you with parts of your loved one’s routine, such as getting dressed or preparing meals, so you can prevent being overwhelmed by how many things need to be done each day. You can also hire a respite caregiver to give yourself time for a break from your duties.
Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Auburn, AL, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. To learn more about our reliable, compassionate in-home care services, contact us at (334) 744-7100 today.