Family caregivers often experience a roller coaster of emotions as they care for their senior loved ones. Most caregivers expect to experience some degree of frustration, yet it can be surprising to discover other emotions appearing, such as embarrassment and anger. Acknowledging that all of these emotions are normal is the first step toward boosting your mental wellbeing. You can also use time-tested strategies to maintain greater control over your emotional reactions.
Take Action against Anxiety
Worry and fear are two emotions family caregivers report more often than any others. These feelings stem from a variety of different situations, some of which they may be able to control. For instance, you may worry about who will take care of your loved one if you get sick. Having a backup caregiver available eliminates this concern. While you might not be able to fix everything, choosing to correct what you can gives you a better sense of security.
Family caregivers can manage some of the emotional challenges of caregiving by hiring professional in-home care experts. Families who need help caring for a senior loved one can turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of Rocklin senior home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
Prevent Feeling Embarrassed in Public
Seniors with dementia or other health issues are sometimes unable to control their behavior in public. If your loved one lashes out or says inappropriate things, you may begin to dread leaving the house. First, remember this reaction is normal. After all, no one likes to be a public spectacle. However, you and your loved one do deserve the opportunity to go places, and you might not always be able to avoid taking your loved one out in the world. Create a plan to help you feel better. Some caregivers call restaurants ahead of time to let them know their loved ones have dementia and they prefer quiet, out-of-the-way tables. You can also bring a friend or another caregiver along to help you manage your loved one’s behavior.
Find a Nonjudgmental Source for Venting
There may be times when you cannot keep yourself from reaching a boiling point. Over time, guilt, fear, and frustration could build up if certain issues aren’t resolved. Talking to a professional counselor is an option that can help you get your emotions out without feeling like you’re being judged. The counselor can also help you develop strategies to manage fluctuating emotions.
Family members can reduce some of the emotional, physical, and mental challenges of caregiving by hiring professional caregivers. 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 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.
Recognize the Connection Between Your Mind & Body
Your emotional state is affected by your physical wellbeing, and you can do small things that help you feel better. Plan time in your schedule for a good workout that floods your body with endorphins. You’ll also want to eat right and go to your regular checkups so you always feel your best.
Accept Help & Support So You Don’t Feel Alone
Loneliness is common for caregivers to experience, and resentment may follow periods when you feel like you’re doing everything on your own. Make sure to pull together a network of people you can rely on to help you through stressful times. Whether you just have someone wipe down the bathrooms or pick up groceries, you’ll feel appreciated and cared for instead of angry and frustrated.
Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs 24-hour care, Rocklin, CA, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. Call us today at (916) 226-3737 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.