When taking care of a family member who is ill or unable to take care of themselves, the pressure to be there 24/7 can be overwhelming. This is certainly true if an adult is taking care of an aging parent: didn’t they take care of you when you were an infant and a child, and needed constant care? To even step away for a moment to eat, take a shower and change clothes, or just to grab a few hours of much-needed sleep can cause feelings of guilt.
These feelings of guilt, or feeling like you’ve abandoned your responsibilities, are common amongst family caregivers. An individual caring for someone at this level can take a severe toll, whether it be emotionally or physically; usually both. Caring for one’s self during this difficult time is important, and many caregivers don’t realize that, or if they do, they feel guilty for doing so.
In my experience, both personally and professionally, I know that if a caregiver is rested, they are able to give a better level of care to their family member. This is one of the areas where Right At Home can provide help not only for the family member, but also for the caregiver. We can work with you to find a way for us to give you a respite, whether it’s on a regular schedule or on an as-needed basis. We will match you with the right person for your needs, and make sure that your loved one is cared for at the highest level while you take a break and recharge.
When a person has been involved in full-time caregiving for a family member for some time, it’s hard to let go and give themselves some respite. It’s also hard to look at the situation from an objective standpoint, and realize that taking some time away from caregiving can make them a better caregiver. Once they take care of themselves, they can give to their family member from a place of fullness, rather than feeling drained and resentful. Feeling resentful can also fuel those feelings of guilt, creating a downward spiral that can be easily stopped; take advantage of professional care services and take a well-deserved respite.
For advice and consultation, please feel free to contact Karen Fazio at Right At Home, Irvine by calling (714) 730-2647 or via email at rahirvine@att.net.
Thank you SO much!!! This is exactly what I need!!! I feel like I have no spare time for myself since my Mother came to live with us!! I only needed about 2 hrs. a day to take care of things around the house and shopping. I really think that having some extra help for my Mom is FABULOUS!! I am so excited for you caregiver to start next week!!
[...] The final tip recommends the family caregiver to “Take care of you.” Even using a Right at Home caregiver on a part time basis can offer respite to the many stresses of caring for a loved one, and give them a chance to recharge, whether it be taking a walk, a nap or visiting with other family members or friends. Taking this kind of time out can help the family caregiver provide better care for their loved one. Read our post about this topic by clicking here. [...]