Caring for a senior loved one can be an overwhelming job, and guilt is a common emotion many family caregivers experience. If the guilt continues, it could lead to burnout. However, there are some things you can do to avoid caregiver guilt.
Set Realistic Goals
You may feel guilty when you fail to meet your caregiving goals. To avoid guilt, set realistic targets and stick with them. You can set practical goals by analyzing the resources you have available as well as your own capabilities in terms of caregiving. You need to determine what’s within your control. Accept your best, and find a balance between realistic targets and unrealistic goals.
Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Make Activities Easier
Seeing your loved one face challenges while doing activities he or she enjoyed in the past could cause guilt. You may try to do everything possible to see your loved one take on the activities with ease and excitement. If he or she doesn’t, you may experience guilt and frustration. However, you can customize the activities based on your loved one’s abilities, which can make it easier to continue doing things he or she enjoyed and help you avoid caregiver guilt.
Take a Break
To prevent guilt and burnout, family caregivers should consider taking a break from their caregiving duties to regroup and recharge. There will be difficult times when you may lose your patience and become upset or angry. If you don’t control these emotions, you may say or do something you feel guilty about in the future. However, taking a break and resting or enjoying activities outside of caregiving can help you manage the negative emotions that lead to guilt. During your time off, get a massage, join a local gym, or catch up on your sleep.
Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Waterloo, ON, 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.
Reach Out to Your Loved One
Sometimes family caregivers live in another city or province and are unable to meet with their senior loved ones as often as they would like, which can lead to guilt. To prevent feelings of guilt, communicate with your loved one using video chat, social media, text, or email. Finding ways to show your loved one that you care can also prevent guilt.
Be Honest
Your loved one will likely ask questions pertaining to his or her health, and you should tell the truth. When you’re not honest, you may feel guilty. Instead of keeping secrets, find a good way to communicate truthfully with your loved one. You can enlist the assistance of other family members as well as your loved one’s medical providers. Before you tell your loved one the truth, make sure to educate yourself about the situation and determine strategies to help him or her manage the illness, injury, or diagnosis. Having a plan in place can make it easier to tell the truth and avoid caregiver guilt.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to prevent guilt. An in-home care expert can provide high-quality care to your senior loved one, allowing you to take some time off to relax, de-stress, and stave off negative emotions. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional home care service, Waterloo Home Care Assistance should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults manage their health and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years. Call (519) 954-2111 today to speak with a friendly and experienced Care Manager to formulate a home care plan for your loved one.