If you’re caring for a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s, you may be feeling guilty about taking care of yourself because it takes time away from your caregiving responsibilities. You might also feel guilty for being impatient with your loved one or your duties. Understand you cannot be an effective caregiver if you don’t take care of yourself first. Here’s how you can overcome these natural feelings of guilt.
Live in the Moment
One of the most effective things you can do is to live in the moment. While you may be tempted to try to multitask, try choosing one activity and doing it purposefully instead of trying to rush. Set priorities, eliminating those things that don’t fit your needs at the moment. Understand that it’s okay if everything in your house isn’t perfect. Sit down and rest for at least five minutes and choose to do absolutely nothing. Savour each moment and let it ease your unrest.
Caring for a loved one and assisting him or her with daily tasks can be overwhelming at times. However, the challenges of caregiving don’t have to be faced alone. Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elder care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
Journal
Living in the moment will feel strange at first, and many people find it helpful to write in a journal. In addition to living in the moment, many Alzheimer’s caregivers find journaling provides a wonderful outlet for their emotions. If you’re feeling caregiver’s guilt, write down the reasons you’re feeling that way. People often find writing down their emotions and thoughts helps them come up with new ways to handle stressful situations.
Get Support
There are many different ways you can get support, but the hardest step is usually admitting you need help. Start by talking to your family and friends about the way you’re feeling. Many people feel better after they talk with others about how they’re feeling. Don’t overlook the power that can be found in joining online support groups for caregivers, where you’ll find others who are experiencing the same emotions.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if you need some time off to relax, de-stress, and stave off negative emotions, including guilt. Caring for a senior loved one 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 Oakville 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.
Consider Different Levels of Care
Realize you may need to change the level of care for your loved one. You may want to consider respite care to give you some time away. Working with professional Alzheimer’s care providers is the right solution for families who need a break from caregiving but want peace of mind knowing their loved ones are being cared for in the safety and comfort of home.
Seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease aren’t the only ones who can benefit from Alzheimer’s care. Oakville families have much to gain as well, especially if they’re the ones currently providing care. Professional Alzheimer’s caregivers can watch over your loved one, giving you the chance to relax, focus on other responsibilities, and prevent burnout. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Home Care Assistance team at (905) 337-1200 today.