Providing senior care for an elderly loved one may be fulfilling, but it's not without its challenges. Guilt is especially common among adult children who care for their parents. After making various sacrifices so they can continue providing attentive care, they might feel resentful. Once they remember that their loved one won’t be around forever, they’re often overcome with guilt. If you’re struggling with a similar cycle of negative emotions, try the following coping strategies.

3 Tips for Handling Caregiver Guilt 

1. Determine the Cause of the Guilt 

Do you feel guilty because you don't get to spend enough time with your loved one? Or are you spending so much time providing senior care that you’re neglecting other responsibilities? Regardless of the underlying cause of the guilt, identifying it is the first step to combatting it. Once you pinpoint the problem, you can modify your daily routine to eliminate—or at least reduce—the worst of the triggers. 

2. Ask (or Accept) Help From Others 

Have any siblings or other loved ones offered to help? Take them up on their offer so that you can focus on other obligations. Taking advantage of respite care is essential for preventing burnout, which is inevitable if you let guilt and resentment consume you. If no one’s offered to help, don't be afraid to ask. Turning to friends, family members, or professional caregivers will provide you with the time to address other obligations that you haven’t gotten around to, eliminating guilt in the process. 

3. Find Ways to Unwind Every Day 

Providing even a few hours of senior care a day can be exhausting. When you’re physically drained, it’s easier for negative emotions to get the better of you. Caregivers often feel like they could be doing more for either their loved one or the family and friends they are neglecting. In this case, you need to take a step back and relax. Self-care is a must if you want to operate at full capacity. Failing to take care of your own needs will catch up with you and make you unable to address anyone else’s needs, as well. 

If caring for an elderly loved one is no longer working for your family, turn to Hillcrest Assisted Living in Columbia, MO. For more than three decades, this state-of-the-art facility has been providing unparalleled senior care. With comfortable living arrangements, luxurious amenities, and around-the-clock care, there’s no better place for your loved one to spend their days. To discuss your family’s needs with a member of their team, reach out on their website or call (573) 696-3201 today.