Top 10 Emotions Family Caregivers Face

Being family caregivers allows individuals to bond with their senior loved ones, but it can be a stressful job that triggers many damaging emotions. Family caregivers need to learn more about these emotions and how they can handle them. Here are some of the most common emotions caregivers experience.

1. Loneliness

Caring for your loved one could force you to withdraw from outside activities. You may spend most of your time providing care and the rest of your time trying to work or get rest. Loneliness could creep in and cause you to feel depressed. You can prevent loneliness by finding time to maintain a social life with people your own age. 

Consider hiring a professional caregiver if you need a break from your caregiving responsibilities. Homecare experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.

2. Grief 

Watching your loved one live with a chronic illness could lead to caregiver grief. The inability to stop your loved one’s pain may make you sad. However, having a support team to talk to allows you to express your true feelings instead of putting on a happy face.

3. Defensiveness

It’s natural to get agitated when others try to critique your caregiving style. However, learning to take creative criticism and ask the other person to help may give you the ability to see things with a clearer mind.

4. Guilt

Saying the wrong thing to your loved one or not being able to do more may cause you to feel guilty. As a family caregiver, remember some things aren’t within your control. Learn to give your best and accept what you cannot change.

5. Anger

Too much responsibility, rude criticism, and lack of sleep are some of the things that can cause anger among family caregivers. Built-up anger can cause heart disease, depression, and other serious health issues. Learn to express your feelings in a healthy way, and make sure to take time to rest and handle your personal and professional needs.

6. Fear 

 Fear of not doing enough and not knowing if your loved one will get better could cause headaches, overeating, and disrupted sleep patterns. Think about the good times from the past, and plan future outings for you and your loved one.

7. Resentment

Seeing other family members and friends living their lives while you’re providing full-time care for your loved one may lead to resentment. This is why it’s important to balance your caregiving duties with your personal goals and aspirations.

8. Boredom 

Caregivers experience fun days, and then there will be moments when they’re bored. If you experience boredom to the point where it’s affecting your emotional health, take time off to do things you enjoy.

9. Disgust 

Some caregiving responsibilities may be too intimate for family caregivers. If you’re unable to help your loved one with tasks such as bathing, grooming, and incontinence, hire a professional caregiver who can.

If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care service. Danville seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable home caregivers.

10. Embarrassment

When you take your loved one out in public, he or she may make impolite comments, have a bathroom accident, or do something else that makes you feel ashamed and embarrassed. Remember your loved one didn’t ask to be sick, and he or she might be more embarrassed than you. 

It’s natural to want to be your loved one’s primary source of care, but in order to protect yourself from negative emotions, you may need assistance. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of home care Danville seniors can depend on. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today.