A New Year’s Resolution: Address Caregiver Guilt
Whether you become a caregiver gradually or all of a sudden due to a crisis, many emotions surface when you take on the job of caregiver. And all of your emotions, good and bad, about caregiving, are not only allowed but valid and important.
One of the many emotions that can arise as you begin your new role is caregiver guilt. This feeling can emerge when there is a belief that you are falling short in any or all roles and relationships are suffering from trying to juggle multiple tasks and roles simultaneously. Also, when it comes to family dynamics, families and caregivers may frequently experience guilt associated with selecting care options for the parent or loved one. While these feelings are totally normal, you don't have to navigate them alone.
Listen in as we explore ways to resolve caregiver guilt by living each day through the lens of your aging loved one and obtain steps to help free oneself from the guilt associated with finding care options.
Click to listen to this episode:
Tune in for insights and resources from Certified Dementia Professional, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Senior Care Advisor and Geriatric Care Manager Ruthie Barkus, RN, BSN, CDP, CPRS.
About Ruthie:
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Ruthie is an RN, Certified Dementia Professional, Certified Placement and Referral Specialist, Senior Care Advisor and Geriatric Care Manager. As the owner of CarePatrol Chicagoland South, she considers what she does a passion more than a job. Ruthie is focused on learning about your loved one so that she can narrow down the key criteria to help her find the right care options for your loved one. She carefully assesses all of her client's needs, concerns, and preferences before recommending appropriate levels of care, such as Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, or In-Home Care. Ruthie wants to promote independence in her seniors as well as to ensure a good quality of life. She assists older adults and caregivers with the proper resources to make this happen.
Ruthie had to care for both her mother with dementia and also the complexities of post-stroke care with her mother-in-law. She is an avid advocate for Mental Health for seniors. She recognizes that we as a society have a mental health crisis on our hands. Many of our seniors have been isolated and sedentary due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19. Ruthie works with her families, the doctors, and the communities to encourage mental health and physical therapy assessments. This is part of her approach to ensuring that the seniors have access to the resources that will keep them thriving in the “Golden Years.”
Show Notes:
- What is caregiver guilt
- Signs and symptoms of caregiver guilt
- Steps caregivers can take to cope with caregiver guilt
- Who to consult for help in addressing caregiver guilt
- How Local Senior Care Advisors help support caregivers and older adults, especially during care transitions that help address caregiver guilt
- Helpful resources for older adults and caregivers to help address caregiver guilt
Episode Resources:
- 20 Signs Your Loved One Needs More Help Rack Card
- Reactions to Caregiving Rack Card
- 10 Tips When Helping Seniors Move Into Senior Housing
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