Coping with Guilt as a Family Caregiver

Family caregivers go through a wide range of emotions, often in the same day. There are a lot of responsibilities that family caregivers manage, sometimes so many that they’re overwhelming. No one can do everything on their own and that can often lead to family caregivers experiencing feelings of guilt. Solutions like 24-hour home care services can make a big difference in helping family caregivers shed those feelings of guilt and get the help they need.

What Is Caregiver Guilt?

Caregiver guilt is a specific form of guilt family caregivers may experience. They may worry that no matter what they do, it isn’t enough or isn’t the right thing to do. Often caregiver guilt occurs even though family caregivers are literally doing everything they humanly can do to make life easier, safer, and happier for their aging family members. Even though these feelings aren’t necessarily realistic, they still exist.

It’s Okay to Ask for and Receive Help

The first step in managing these feelings of guilt is for family caregivers to acknowledge to themselves that they’re doing the best they can and that it’s okay to ask for help. Everyone needs help now and again, even the most capable people on the planet. It’s very common for family caregivers to take on so much themselves because other family members aren’t able to do more. In these cases, home care services can offer help that family caregivers can count on and it’s okay to enlist that help.

Reminders Can Help

Negative self-talk is often successful at inspiring negative feelings because it’s easy to believe and it’s easy to repeat. For family caregivers, refrains like “I should be doing more” can be common. Trying some new phrases, similar to affirmations, can be helpful. “I’m doing the best I can,” “everybody makes mistakes,” and “everybody needs help now and then” can be useful reminders.

Around-the-clock Help Makes a Big Difference

Issues like losing sleep, not having time for other activities and responsibilities, and neglecting self-care are common causes for caregiver guilt. The problem is that family caregivers may not have the tools and assistance that they need in order to work around those challenges. 24-hour home care providers can be there during the day and at night, offering support and assistance no matter what time of day it is. Family caregivers can get sleep, for instance, knowing that the seniors they love have help.

Self-care Does a Lot to Relieve Guilty Feelings

When family caregivers are better able to take care of themselves, there’s less room for feelings of guilt. They’re more likely to feel capable and on top of the different challenges they face. Spending time with their own friends, engaging in hobbies, and taking care of their own needs is empowering for family caregivers.

What matters most for so many family caregivers is how they can take the best care possible of the seniors they love. Sometimes that leaves them feeling guilty about not doing more, even when they’re doing more than most people every single day. Help from 24-hour home care providers bridges the gaps between what family caregivers are able to do and what needs to be done.

If you or an aging loved one are considering 24-hour home care in Hartsdale, NY, please contact the caring staff at Griswold Care Pairing for Scarsdale & Yonkers today. (914) 337-5028.