Let’s burst this bubble, the earlier the better. GUILT IS REAL in caregiving.

As providers of In Home Elderly Care in Georgia, we clearly understand how the emotions of a family caregiver go very much like a roller coaster. Caring for a dear loved one in their vulnerable moments is very noble, but in long-term situations, it can take its toll on the carer when they go without rest.

Basically, guilt feelings emerge when what we want to provide to our dear loved one runs contrary to what happens to our day.

Is there a way to navigate through these emotions? Thankfully, yes. As your partner in providing Senior Home Care Services in Georgia, let us share with you these five guidelines to put your emotions in the right perspective as you care for your vulnerable family member.

1. Acknowledge that you feel guilty. Admission is a powerful tool in nipping all other negative feelings in the bud. You will see that the moment you admit the guilt to yourself is the same moment you realize how blessed you are to care for a dear loved one.
2. Be kind to yourself. There’s no other person who can extend unconditional love and kindness to you but yourself. Allow yourself to feel bad and guilty about what happened that wasn’t within your control. When you admit that they’re not in your hands, the guilt feelings will subside.
3. Look for the root cause of the guilty emotion. Perhaps, you have needs that were unmet, or you did something that was not in line with your personal beliefs. When you’ve identified the cause, resolve to forgive yourself for whatever inability that keeps you from meeting such needs.
4. Address your needs as necessary especially if your health is at stake. When you feel that you need to get a break, take action about it. You can request for some respite help from providers of Senior Care Services so you can still be peaceful about your loved one’s safety.
5. Make changes to yourself to overcome the guilt trigger for similar instances in the future. For instance, you might feel bad that after visiting your elderly parent, you haven’t really talked much with them as you were called to work immediately. You would want to arrange for strict family time whenever you’re with your parent again.

When you’re the primary caregiver, you have to understand that in order for you to be an effective caregiver, you have to put your needs and feelings first. When you’re well and on top of yourself, you can remarkably care for your loved one.

At Abundant Life Assisted Services, we believe that effective caregiving always considers the well-being of the caregiver as well. For this reason, we exist to be your partners in attending to the care needs of your loved one so that when you need help, we’re just right at your back.

Do share this post with a friend to inspire their caregiving role.