Wednesday, 10 June 2020

How to Deal with Caregiver Guilt

As a Caregiver, it's likely that you often carry around a substantial amount of guilt. This is sometimes because you are torn between caring for children of your own, your career, and spending time with your ageing loved ones. These conflicting responsibilities might often leave you feeling as though you are not doing enough for your elderly relatives. In some cases, you may look at other caregivers and compare yourself to them, often feeling as though you will never ‘measure up’ or that you aren’t making enough sacrifices.

In short, caregiver guilt is nothing new, and there is no denying the fact that the global COVID-19 pandemic has made it a lot worse for many caregivers all around the world.

Those with aging relatives who don’t live with them are now forced to practice strict social distancing, making it impossible for them to see their loved ones in person for fear of making them ill. This necessity is certain to bring forth a whole new level of guilt – guilt, which like all other forms of caregiving guilt, is completely unwarranted. Having said that, even though it is unwarranted and underserved, it doesn’t make it any less real or paralysing. Here are some tips to help you cope.

Embrace technology

Technology is a wonderful tool for staying in touch with elderly relatives during these times of crisis. Most live-in companions or nurses at care facilities will be more than happy to lend a hand so that you can talk to your loved one via Facetime, Skype or Zoom. Rest assured that even those seniors who have advanced cases of dementia or Alzheimer’s will take comfort in seeing a familiar face even if they cannot actively engage with you.

Seek support

It can help a lot to realise that you are not alone. With this in mind, you might want to consider joining online support groups for caregivers and connecting with others who are going through similar heartache and emotional challenges.

Look at the bigger picture

Try to stop thinking about all that you are not doing and take a moment to reflect back on what you have done. Further to this, do what you can and accept what you can’t. As trying as these times are right now, rest assured that this too shall pass. You're doing an amazing job.

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