Shared by: Sarah, Caregiver with Hope Senior Home Care
Caring for someone you truly grow to know and love is rewarding, but it can also bring up some tough emotions — for both the caregiver and the person receiving care.
I’ve been working with my client, Mr. J, for almost a year now. We have great days — full of conversation, laughter, and routines that flow smoothly. But there are also moments when he feels frustrated, especially when tasks that once came easily are now more challenging. In those moments, I’ve learned that how I respond makes all the difference.
Here’s what helps me most when emotions run high:
1. Pause Before Reacting.
When a situation gets tense, I take a deep breath before responding. It helps me keep calm and gives my client space to do the same. Sometimes just slowing the moment down can change everything.
2. Acknowledge Feelings.
I’ve learned that saying something like, “I know this feels frustrating” can go a long way. It shows I understand and that their emotions are valid — even if we can’t fix the situation right away.
3. Redirect with Empathy.
If my client is upset, I try to shift focus to something positive or familiar — like music he enjoys, or talking about a happy memory. It often turns the mood around quickly.
4. Take Care of Your Own Emotions Too.
Caregivers give so much of themselves. I’ve found that journaling, a quiet walk, or talking with our Hope team helps me release stress and reset for the next day.
Emotions are part of this journey — both the hard and the beautiful ones. What matters most is meeting each moment with patience, empathy, and understanding.
— Sarah, Hope Senior Home Care Caregiver
Hope at Home Tip:
Supporting our caregivers emotionally helps them support your loved ones even better. If your family has questions about managing challenging moments at home, our care team is here to help with strategies, communication tips, and compassionate guidance.
