Caregiving can be an emotional task. Some emotions are the result of the long, day-to-day work of caregiving, while others are the result of momentary crises. Nonetheless, caregivers need to learn how to manage common emotions. Here are a few emotions caregivers often experience as well as some tips on how to manage or prevent each emotion.
1. Boredom
Caregiving involves a lot of downtime. Days spent indoors taking care of a sick loved one can take its toll, leaving caregivers restless and bored. To break the cycle of boredom, make sure to take some time for yourself, whether this takes the form of exercise, a trip to the movies, or a coffee date with a friend. This brief respite may provide the energy you need to be a better caregiver.
If you are the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality non-medical home care, Albuquerque Home Care Assistance can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age.
2. Anxiety
Anxiety is a common response to the stresses of caregiving, but it’s not a healthy one. When the burdens of caregiving leave you feeling too stressed to function, you need to pause and take a deep breath. Meditation, exercise, and breathing techniques can reduce your anxiety levels.
3. Ambivalence
For many caregivers, the desire to help their loved one comes into conflict with the desire to follow their own passions and dreams. Don’t push away these ambivalent feelings. Instead, embrace them and fully acknowledge the difficulties of your situation.
4. Depression
Caregivers often experience feelings of depression. These feelings can be caused by the everyday stresses of caregiving, which leaves many people without time to care for themselves. They often get too little sleep, neglect their diets, and forget to exercise. All of this can exacerbate depression, leaving caregivers feeling helpless. If you think you are experiencing depression, you may want to speak to your healthcare provider about treatment options.
5. Irritability
When caregivers find themselves frustrated, they often become irritable or angry. To avoid this, get some well-earned rest or engage in a favorite activity.
Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Albuquerque families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.
6. Guilt
Caregivers feel guilt for many reasons. You might feel you’re failing as a caregiver or feel guilt for wishing away your responsibilities. To forestall these negative feelings, acknowledge that you’re doing your best on a daily basis.
7. Frustration
For caregivers, there may be days where everything goes wrong. Finding like-minded people via a support group can make these frustrations feel less overwhelming.
8. Mortification
Caregivers tending to seniors with dementia often have to manage unpredictable behaviors. Sometimes these behaviors can be embarrassing, especially in public spaces. If your loved one causes a commotion while on an outing, always remember he or she has little control over the behavior, and that it’s not a reflection of your caregiving skills.
9. Grief
One of the most difficult parts of being a caregiver is watching a senior loved one’s health decrease. Talk to a friend or family member to express your feelings instead of putting on a happy face.
10. Loneliness
Caregivers often become isolated. Their sense of self may start to diminish, and they might lose interest in former hobbies. To retain a sense of individuality, make time for yourself. Meet up with friends and family as often as possible, as this outside support can be invaluable when going through a difficult time.
If providing care for your senior loved one has become challenging and you need assistance, consider hiring a professional caregiver. In Albuquerque, New Mexico, home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. To learn about our revolutionary senior care plans, give us a call at 505-798-0800 today.
