Ways for Family Caregivers to Obtain Emotional Support

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Family caregivers often experience challenging emotions that include feelings of guilt, anger, and embarrassment. Too often, caregivers think there’s no one else around who can understand how they feel. You might also worry people will judge you if you say you’re frustrated or resentful as you carry out your duties. Fortunately, you’re not alone. These resources provide emotional support that can help you feel better about your role as a family caregiver.

Make Time to Go to Counseling

Professional counselors are trained to keep the things you say confidential, and they won’t judge you. However, you may need to find a way to go to a counselor without feeling more guilt about leaving your loved one. Cultivating a relationship with a professional caregiver helps you know your loved one is safe while you take care of your emotional needs.

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 Surrey 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.

Connect with Other Caregivers in Support Groups

No one can understand what you’re going through like another caregiver. Joining a support group also puts you in a position to learn new strategies that make caregiving easier. Consider finding a group that pertains to your specific challenges. For instance, you could join a group that focuses on helping people manage their loved ones’ Parkinson’s symptoms.

Reach Out to Your Family

Family caregivers with strong family ties tend to do better emotionally. Ideally, you have a partner or sibling who’s willing to let you vent your emotions. Try to make sure not to direct your negative emotions at the individual, and remember that he or she may not always want to hear your complaints. However, family members are often great at pointing out times when you seem like you might be heading for burnout.

For many families, caring for a senior loved one can sometimes be overwhelming. Fortunately, compassionate help is available. 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.

Cultivate an Active Social Life

Friends are another great resource. Your friends can lift your spirits on a bad day, and they can make plans for events that give you something to look forward to. Let your friends know you still want to hear from them, even if you tend to get busy. They’ll know to continue extending invitations so you can enjoy a social life.

Visit Online Chat Groups & Forums

Sometimes it’s easier to open up to people you don’t see every day. Online chat groups and forums for caregivers are places where you can feel safe sharing your deepest thoughts. These groups also tend to function around the clock, which gives you a way to get out those feelings that keep you awake at night.

Work with a Professional Caregiver

Experienced professional home caregivers have seen it all. They’ve watched family caregivers do their best to care for their loved ones, and they know how difficult it is to watch a family member face health challenges. While the caregiver you hire does need to focus most of his or her time on helping your loved one, he or she can also give you a few words of reassurance that make it easier to manage emotionally. 

Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs 24-hour care, Surrey, BC, 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. If your loved one needs professional care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (778) 279-3634 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.

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