Many of us are attempting to juggle a number of different duties, and for family caregivers, it can feel like juggling flaming swords and knives. It’s normal for family members to become overloaded and to experience feelings of caregiver guilt when trying to provide the best care for a loved one.
Caregiver guilt can appear in various forms. Maybe you are feeling like you’re not spending enough time with a loved one. You might be feeling guilty about contemplating a nursing home for the senior. The guilt may arise after a loved one’s dementia-fueled repetitions caused you to snap. Or maybe you feel like you’re neglecting your own children in order to care for a senior loved one.
When caregiver guilt sets in, try to keep this statement top of mind: You are doing the best you can, and it’s ok to request help.
Let’s look closer at that statement. First: you are doing your very best. You would probably agree, but do you really believe it? Reminding yourself about these truths if you’re uncertain might help:
- I am doing the best that I can.
- My loved one appreciates me, even if they can’t or refuse to admit it.
- Mistakes will happen.
- I can’t control or fix the past, but I can control my feelings about it.
- I am doing enough.
It might even be useful to place these and other affirmations on sticky notes throughout the house, such as on the fridge or in the medicine cabinet. And if there’s a specific statement that really speaks to you, utilize the calendar app on your phone to set it as a daily reminder.
Second: It’s fine to ask for help, whether that means professional help from Compassionate Care Home Health Services, a leading provider of elder care in Midland, MI and the nearby areas, or help from other family members, your own friends, or your loved one’s friends.
Let’s start with the older adult’s friends. We’ve all heard from well-intentioned friends, “Let me know what I can help with.” But do we ever take them up on their offer? Your loved one’s friends in the community may hold back on helping in order to avoid stepping on your toes. Reach out to them and request specific help, such as, “Would you come visit with Mom every Wednesday for a couple of hours?” You might be surprised to find how willing people are to help out — they simply need to know what you need.
Brothers and sisters as well as other family members living close by may also just need to be asked. Keep in mind, if you’re able to get help for even a couple of small chores, you will surely feel less bogged down. Maybe Aunt Ruth can take Mom to her weekly physical therapy appointment, or Cousin Fred can go with Grandpa to church.
If family members live at a considerable distance, ask them to help with tasks that can be completed over the telephone or online, like researching adult day care facilities, or determining the most cost-effective drugstore for the older adult’s medications.
The very best solution, however, is partnering with Compassionate Care Home Health Services for personalized in-home care assistance. We are here to help with services such as:
- Meal planning/preparation
- Regular respite care
- Transportation to medical appointments and enjoyable outings
- Light housekeeping services and laundry
- Companionship for socialization through conversations, hobbies/interests, exercise, and more
- Specialized care for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other chronic health conditions
- Wound care
- Medication setups
- Foot care
- And much more
Compassionate Care Home Health Services is here to walk with you during your caregiving journey. Our professional home care experts can meet a wide range of medical and non-medical needs specific to the challenges a senior is facing. Partnering with our caregiving professionals can help ensure your loved one is well cared for, providing you with essential time away for self-care. Contact Compassionate Care Home Health Services, a leading provider of elder care in Midland, MI and the surrounding areas, at 877.308.1212 for more information.