06/23/2022
Caregiver guilt is undeserved but many feel it. It is when a caregiver believes they are not doing enough for their loved one and experiences guilt because of it.
A few examples of what might cause caregiver guilt:
- when a caregiver is comparing themself to another caregiver who appears to be doing a better job
- when a caregiver has to make a decision for a patient that goes against the patients wishes, even though it is in the interest of their safety and health
- when a caregiver is caring for someone who they have had past conflict with
Being a caregiver is hard, it is an emotional journey that is also physically exhausting.
Here is some advice to deal with the guilt that may come along while in this role:
1. acknowledge you feel guilty - talk about these feelings with others or with a counselor
2. Give yourself compassion- you are allowed to feel emotions
3. Take a break - get away for a bit each day and practice self care
4. Change behavior if needed - pinpoint the exact reason for the guilt, is there a behavior you personally need to change to feel less guilty? Or do you need to manage others expectations better and set boundaries? No one is perfect!
5. Be creative - being a caregiver is a fluid job that changes with the needs of your loved one. Re- imagine the way that this could look. Talk to other caregivers or join a support group. Remember it’s okay if caregiving looks different for you than it does for other people!
What are some other ways to cope with caregiver guilt?
Source: leisurecare.com
