Family care providers give so much of themselves to attend to their senior loved ones, frequently sacrificing their own individual desires and needs in the process. It may seem natural to presume then that caregivers would feel good about themselves, with high self-esteem and a sense of purpose. Yet the exact opposite is usually true and often, family caregiver guilt occurs.
Many family caregivers deal with thoughts and feelings of guilt, wishing they had more patience, a solution for all of their loved ones’ problems, or perhaps the power to do everything on their own without the need for help. They may have set unrealistic and unattainable guidelines, that could lead to:
- Bitterness
- Feeling trapped
- Not feeling good enough
- Wanting to get away
- Lack of joy in life
- Elevated stress
- Missing out on good quality time with loved ones
- And more
If you’re encountering feelings of family caregiver guilt, taking these measures can be extremely freeing:
- Admit your feelings of guilt and the specific cause of it; for example, “I feel guilty because I became impatient with Dad’s repetitive questions.”
- Keep a realistic perspective, understanding that all family caregivers are encountering challenges. We are all human.
- Replace your internal “should have” dialogues with a more positive slant: “It’s challenging to answer the same questions over and over again, and I’m doing the very best that I am able to.”
- Change your focus to a positive accomplishment. Remind yourself of the joke you told that made Dad have a good laugh this afternoon, or how much he appreciated the dinner you prepared.
- Be sure to put aside plenty of time for calming, pleasurable and rewarding activities: participating in favorite hobbies and pastimes, journaling, spending time with friends, family and pets, etc.
- Follow a healthier lifestyle that includes nutritious eating, striving for 7 – 8 hours of sleep each night, exercising, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.
- Find a support partner. To be the best care provider you can be requires regular, routine breaks from caregiving help to take care of yourself.
Call Independence-4-Seniors Home Care at (630) 323-4665 for dependable respite care in Hinsdale and the surrounding areas to give family caregivers time to destress and unwind, an integral aspect of effective elder care. We are available in accordance with your desired schedule and routine, with as little or as much ongoing support as needed, up through around-the-clock care. Keep in mind that taking the best care of yourself enables you to provide the best caregiving help for the older adult you love, and we are always here to assist!