Caregivers may feel ambivalent about their duties, and their feelings of compassion and duty are often at odds with grief and resentment. If you frequently vacillate between positive and negative emotions, it can lead to depression and anxiety. Here are a few effective ways to manage caregiving ambivalence.
Learn to Expect Ambivalence
Don’t try to paste a false smile over your frustration, as bottling up negative emotions isn’t a healthy long-term strategy. Instead, find a way to accept all negative and positive emotions during your caregiving journey. Each caregiver manages his or her emotions differently, but finding an appropriate outlet is essential for all.
Caring for senior loved ones 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 Assisting Hands Home Care for the help they need. We provide high-quality in-home care as well as comprehensive stroke, Parkinson’s Alzheimer’s and dementia care Frederick.
Understand the Impact of Personal History
Sometimes caregiver ambivalence is the result of dissonance caused by changing relationships. Caregivers have years of history with their senior loved ones, both good and bad. When transitioning from a spouse or a child to a caregiver, it can be difficult to navigate the changing emotional landscape.
When you feel ambivalent about these shifting roles, accept that the past will inevitably color your new situation. If you feel an old resentment flaring up, walk away from the situation for a few minutes, clear your head, and return to your caregiving responsibilities when your negative emotions have abated.
Learn to Separate Feelings about Caregiving Duties
There are some duties caregivers don’t necessarily enjoy. For example, if you feel irritable every time you have to help your loved one take a bath, it shouldn’t affect the love you feel for him or her. When you learn to separate the emotions related to your caregiving duties from the feelings you have for your loved one, you’ll feel less guilty about each negative thought you experience.
Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Frederick, MD, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
Seek Help when Making Important Decisions
Caregivers often have to make important decisions. Whether you’re choosing a new medical specialist, handling finances, or deciding on in-home care services, these decisions can have a major impact on your loved one’s health.
Constantly making important decisions could leave you feeling ambivalent about the best course of action. When you’re at an impasse, ask for decision-making assistance from trusted family members, or get advice from fellow caregivers at a support group. You shouldn’t have to make every decision yourself, and being forced to take on too many responsibilities could lead to indecisiveness and anxiety.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to provide high-quality care to your senior loved one without overexerting yourself. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional home care, Frederick Assisting Hands Home Care should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults manage their health and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years. Call one of our Care Managers today to learn about our customized in-home care plans.
