Caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Being a caregiver, you may experience a variety of emotions that have a negative impact on your wellbeing. Take a look at some of the most common negative emotions caregivers tend to experience.
1. Anger
In the event you were forced to become a family caregiver, you may be angered by the many challenges you face on a daily basis. It’s a good idea to ask for help from family and friends. You can also use in-home respite care to ease your load.
If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Kennebunk, ME, Align Home Care is here to help. Our respite caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
2. Guilt
Leaving your loved one in someone else’s care while you manage your personal and professional commitments may cause you to feel guilty. However, it’s important to take care of your own affairs because it can help you organize your life.
3. Embarrassment
Seniors who are unable to walk on their own, use the restroom without assistance, or hold a coherent conversation often cause their caregivers to feel ashamed and embarrassed. You may assume everyone is making fun of you and your loved one. Remember your loved one is facing difficulty with this transition, so you need to remain supportive.
4. Fear
Seeing your loved one’s health deteriorate over time could cause you to experience fear and uncertainty, which could lead to serious health issues, such as a stroke or heart attack. You need to learn how to help your loved one handle the aging process.
5. Irritability
Failing to get enough rest is something many family caregivers experience. A lack of rest could result in exhaustion, which could make you irritable and easily agitated. You may begin lashing out at everyone, including your loved one. To keep agitation at bay, consider hiring a professional caregiver and taking time off to relax and recharge.
6. Sadness
Feeling hopeless or being overwhelmed by your caregiving duties could cause you to become sad. You may find yourself crying for no reason or isolating yourself from your friends and family. It’s important to talk to your friends about your concerns because they can help you let off steam and lift your spirits.
7. Jealousy
Seeing other family members achieve their goals and maintain careers while you’re caring for your loved one on a full-time basis could cause jealousy and bitterness. You need to maintain a social life and continue following your dreams. Hiring a professional caregiver to help around the home may free up time to work on your goals.
If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Align Home Care, a leading provider of homecare services. Align Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
8. Defeat
Although you may try to do everything the doctor says, there’s no guarantee you can slow your loved one’s cognitive decline or prevent him or her from developing chronic illnesses. All you can do is your best. Learning to accept your best can help you reduce feelings of defeat.
9. Detachment
You need to find a balance between living your life and being a caregiver because failing to do so could lead to detachment. You may begin to neglect your own emotional, mental, and physical needs. Learn how to lean on others for help. Having a helping hand around frees up time for you to take care of your own health and personal commitments.
10. Impatience
Impatience is a negative emotion you may experience if your loved one begins to have mobility issues or develops an illness that impacts his or her communication abilities. While it’s normal to feel impatient from time to time, you must never lash out at your loved one. Remind yourself that you cannot control everything and there will be times when your loved one goes off schedule. You should also set more time aside to complete goals and tasks for the day.
Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Align Home Care, a leading provider of Kennebunk in-home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more. Call Align Home Care today at (207) 835-3490 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.