Are You Being Too Hard on Yourself as a Caregiver?

Being strict with yourself isn’t necessarily a bad thing overall, but it can keep you from being the kind of family caregiver that you most want to be. Start looking for ways to help yourself to be kinder to you as you go about your caregiving duties.

You’re Going to Be Angry Sometimes.

Too often caregivers feel as if they shouldn’t ever be angry or frustrated or experience any negative emotions. This is not a good mindset for you to fall into because there isn’t anyone who can avoid negative feelings all day, every day. You’re going to experience those negative feelings and if you penalize yourself for them, you’ll find that they get more powerful instead of going away.

No One Can Do it All Alone.

If you’re still trying to do everything yourself, you need to get past that, too. No one can get everything done alone. You’ll need to learn to ask for help and to receive it gracefully. Until you’re able to do that, you’re going to feel overwhelmed and trapped rather than appreciative of this time with your elderly family member.

You Won’t Always Get it Right.

The idea of perfection and getting everything just right can cripple you as a family caregiver. You’re not going to get everything right every single time. In fact, you might find that you’re getting things “wrong” more often than not. But that’s how you learn and grow, both as a person and as a family caregiver. Give yourself permission to not be perfect and accept that you’re doing what you can.

There’s Always Tomorrow.

Even if today isn’t such a great day, remember that there’s always tomorrow. Tomorrow you’ve got another opportunity to have the type of day you want to have with your aging adult. You may find new solutions for your elderly family member, find the perfect senior care providers, or talk to a friend who knows just what to say. Tomorrow holds an entire world of possibilities.

Remember that you’re human and that you have needs, too. When you can do that, it’s easier to accept what you can do and be the best caregiver that you can be.

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregiver services in Dresher, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860 .