For most of your life your senior has probably been in much better shape than she is right now. It can be really difficult for you to come to terms with that fact. The closer you can get to acceptance, the better for both your senior and for you.
Do What You Can to Remain as Positive as Possible
Positivity is going to help you so much as a caregiver. This isn’t to say that you’re going to have to go full-on Pollyanna, but negativity definitely doesn’t help. Learn to look for the positive side of every situation. Caregiving itself might feel like something that was forced on you, but the positive side of that could be that you’re able to be there for your elderly family member right now.
Control What You Can, but Let Go of the Rest
There are always areas of life that you’re going to want to control. The odd thing is, a big percentage of what you want to control isn’t necessarily going to be something you actually can control. That’s going to be the part of the situation you have to let go of before it drives you crazy. What you can manage is what you’re left with and that’s all that you can do.
Who Can You Talk To?
Everybody needs someone they can talk to when they’re feeling bad or when they’re stressed. The same is true for you as a caregiver. Whether you’re reaching out to friends you’ve lost touch with or other family members, it helps to have someone to talk to. If you don’t have anyone to talk to, that’s a different problem. Consider joining a caregiver support group or finding a counselor who helps caregivers with their situations.
Caregiving Can’t Be Everything
As much as it feels like caregiving is your be all and end all, it really shouldn’t be. You’re a much more complex person than that and there are many facets to your interests and your personality. You need to be able to take time away from caregiving, especially when it’s starting to interfere with your ability to accept what’s going on. Hiring home care services providers can be an excellent way to ensure that your senior is safe and sound while you take the time that you need.
Very often your senior’s health or declining circumstances can really get you down. It’s important that you’re realistic about what’s happening but that you’re also able to remain as positive as you can about it all. That’s where acceptance can help you the most.
