Caregiver Corner - Signs that a Change is Needed
We become family caregivers, often without realizing we made a choice to assume that role. Caregiving has a way of sneaking up on you and you’re doing it without realizing you signed up for the job. Not everything we sign on for in life works out exactly the way we hoped. Sometimes being a caregiver stops working for you and perhaps for the person you’re caring for.
How do you know when there’s a problem?
Ask yourself if you feel angry, a lot of the time. Are you tired, having trouble sleeping? Does it feel like your caregiving role will never end? You’ll never have time for yourself again? Do you want to avoid being with the person you’re caring for?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, it may be time to stop being a caregiver, BUT, it may just be a sign that you need a break. Caregiving can be physically, mentally and emotionally challenging. Respite might be the answer for you. Even short breaks have been demonstrated to be helpful in renewing a caregiver’s enthusiasm for the caregiving role. I know it seems like taking time for yourself is a selfish thing when the person you’re caring for needs you so much, but it’s just as important for the person you care for as it is for you. No one wants to be with someone who is tired, angry, sad, resentful, and those feelings are hard to hide even when you try. Your body language alone will reveal your feelings.
Take some time to get away from your caregiving responsibilities. Preferably a few days but even if it’s only a few hours a couple of times a week, it will help. Remember though, even if respite doesn’t do the trick for you and you feel it’s time to seek out institutional care for your loved one, you don’t stop being a caregiver. You just change the address. Caregiving is based on long-term relationships and they don’t end when you move to an alternate setting. Your family member will still need you to be their caregiver.