When you are caring for a loved one living with a disability and are responsible for their well being, many emotions surface when you take on the job of caregiving. Among these emotions are feelings of guilt and anxiety.
When you are overwhelmed it is easy to feel like you are not doing enough, especially when you need a break and are thinking about Respite Care. However, it is crucial to remember that you too are important and that these emotions you are experiencing are not only allowed but valid.
By working through your guilt, you are able to work as a team with the person you care for. In this post, we will outline several ways to overcome caregiver guilt.
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What is Caregiver Guilt
Guilt is common amongst a majority of caregivers. When looking after a loved one with a disability, we often hold ourselves to unreasonable standards – from doing everything without help to having a solution for every problem to always making the right decision. A lot of guilt is self-imposed and when things don’t go our way we get frustrated and feel guilty for letting our loved ones down.
However, caregiving is a demanding job and cannot be done fully alone. Whether formal or informal, getting respire and taking a break is important, for you and those you care for.
Symptoms Of Caregiver Guilt
Guilty feelings about your shortcomings as a caregiver can manifest themselves in many harmful ways.
- Burnout
- Physical and mental exhaustion
- Insomnia
- Frustration
- Anger and stress
- Depression and lethargy
Letting Go Of Guilt
The first step to overcoming caregiver guilt is to accept and acknowledge these feelings. No one is perfect and it is important to not compare yourself to other caregivers. It is best to set your expectations that aren’t based on others but on your abilities.
Caregiving is a constant task. Setting small achievable goals and caregiving strategies is the best way you can manage expectations. Similarly, achieving these goals brings a sense of accomplishment and confidence, for all parties involved.
Caregiver guilt can be very damaging. It can have a severe impact on you physically, mentally and emotionally. Not only does it take a toll on the caregiver, but it prevents the caregiver from giving the sort of care required.
Caregiver guilt can be very damaging. It can have a severe impact on you physically, mentally and emotionally. Not only does it take a toll on the caregiver, but it prevents the caregiver from giving the sort of care required.
Tap Into Additional Resources
There are a number of services, both public and private that can help alleviate the burden and stress felt by caregiving by providing in-home assistance and companion support.
Sapphire Support offers high-quality respite care and accommodation across Noosa, to individuals living with disabilities. Not only does this provide them with a break in routine, but give caregivers a well-deserved break to recharge and return to their duties refreshed.
Sapphire Support offers a range of care options to NDIS participants, giving them peace of mind that they are receiving the care they need. Learn more today!
