1. Jealousy

Seeing your siblings or friends enjoying their lives while you’re providing care for an elderly parent can be difficult. Over time, you may become jealous. Ask for help from others to get some time to yourself to enjoy activities and functions that make you happy.

If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality at-home care, Assisting Hands Home Care can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to helping seniors age in place in safety and comfort.

2. Anger

Watching your loved one’s health decrease and knowing there’s nothing you can do to stop this process may be emotionally draining. The anger you experience when your loved one’s health diminishes could cause stress and high levels of anxiety. It’s best to continue doing all you can to make sure your loved one is comfortable and happy, regardless of the results.

3. Exhaustion

Taking on too many duties can be overwhelming for family caregivers. The more work you take on, the less time you have to rest and recharge. Exhaustion can lead to serious health issues, such as insomnia and heart disease.

4. Resentment

If you give up your job to become a full-time caregiver, you may end up resenting your loved one. You don’t want to ruin your relationship, especially with an aging parent who is ill. To prevent resentment from building up, enlist the help of others so you can continue working on a full- or part-time basis.

5. Depression

If you don’t get out and enjoy the company of people your own age, you could become isolated and depressed. Make time for social activities, even if it’s only for a few hours each week. Consider using home care services to free up more of your time. 

If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need elderly home care, Dana Point, CA, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. Our caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.

6. Embarrassment

If your loved one is experiencing incontinence, communication difficulties, or mobility issues, you might feel embarrassed taking him or her out in public. Try to see the situation from your loved one’s point of view and remember he or she is losing control of bodily functions and independence.

7. Fear

Your loved one’s health may decrease with time, and the fear of not knowing whether he or she will develop an age-related illness may be stressful. It’s important to continue providing high-quality care to your loved one and cherish the time you spend together. 

8. Irritation

Providing constant care to your loved one may make you feel irritated at times. However, taking regular breaks or extended time off can help you ease the negative emotions you experience. 

9. Lack of Appreciation

Caregivers make several sacrifices for their senior loved ones, but they don’t always receive the praise they deserve. Praising yourself from time to time may boost your mood.

10. Guilt

There may be times when you want to give up your caregiver role, regardless of how much you love your parent. Although this is normal, you may feel guilty and ashamed. Keep in mind you’re not perfect, and having these feelings doesn’t make you a bad person. 

Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Assisting Hands® Dana Point, a leading provider of home care services in San Clemente, Capistrano Beach, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Mission Viejo and Ladera Ranch. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more. If your loved one needs assistance with the challenges of aging, reach out to one of our knowledgeable, compassionate Care Managers today at (949) 426-7300.