Senior Caregiver Guilt Relief
Taking care of a loved one with an illness or disability can bring up a range of emotions. There are great days with a deep sense of fulfillment and connection and there are hard days, filled with guilt, grief, or anger. These mixed emotions can be confusing and even alarming for caregivers.
In reality, caregiver guilt is a common feeling among those providing care for loved ones and can be challenging to manage — specifically, when those around the caregiver can’t understand the emotions the caregiver is going through. The result can be feelings of isolation and misunderstanding.
Town Square Adult Day at the Jersey Shore is dedicated to supporting both seniors and their caregivers with resources that offer relief and reassurance. In fact, you can trust that when you drop your loved one off at a Town Square they will be well cared for, engaged, and enjoying themselves during their time here.
What is Caregiver Guilt and Why is it So Common?
A caregiver’s task is far from easy. Especially when the senior individual receiving the care is suffering from physical or cognitive issues, caregiving can be very demanding.
Common sources of caregiver guilt are feelings of inadequacy, perceived neglect of personal life, and worry about meeting loved ones’ needs. They may feel they’re not doing enough or become stressed because of the pressures senior care can bring about in the caregiver’s personal life.
Even though caregivers may feel that they’re the only ones facing these emotions, caregiver guilt is actually a normal reaction but can lead to burnout if not addressed.
How Can Caregivers Manage and Alleviate Guilt?
The first step in managing caregiver guilt is to acknowledge and accept one’s emotions as normal feelings that relate to a demanding job. Practicing self-compassion and setting realistic expectations are equally important in managing one’s feelings.
It’s essential to recognize the positive impact caregivers have on their loved ones and to avoid negative self-judgment from self or others. Yoga, meditation, mindfulness techniques, and other stress-relief practice can help caregivers find emotional balance.
Why is Seeking Support Important for Caregiver Well-Being?
Caregivers, whether stressed out or not, should find support from family, friends, or professional resources to avoid isolation and reduce guilt. Talking about issues you’re facing, discussing your emotions, and taking a break – are all valid ways to step away from stress and produce a calming effect.
Other possibilities include caregiver support groups, therapy, or seeking online communities for shared experiences. The whole focus is to get out of any isolation and connect with others. In that sense, Town Square Adult Day at the Jersey Shore offers resources and programs that support caregiver mental health and provide respite.
How Can Adult Day Help Caregivers Find Peace of Mind?
Adult Day centers like Town Square Jersey Shore provide a safe, enriching environment for seniors, allowing caregivers to take a break with confidence that their loved one is cared for.
Specific activities, social engagement, and professional care offered at Town Square Adult Day are just some of the things that benefit seniors, and that give their caregivers the much-needed respite.
Adult Day care typically offers caregivers time to recharge and take care of their own needs, reducing any feelings of guilt that may exist.
Find Respite and Support at Town Square Adult Day at the Jersey Shore
We invite you to learn more about the respite services and supportive resources available at Town Square Adult Day. Knowing that their loved one is well taken care of will bring about relief and peace of mind for their caregiver. They can be assured that their loved one is in a safe, compassionate, and engaging environment.
Contact us today to schedule a tour or appointment with Town Square Jersey Shore.
