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Processing the mixed emotions of caregiving |
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The mixed emotions from caregiving leave many family caregivers in turmoil. And a recent Home Instead Senior Care network survey paints a clearer picture of the angst that so many caregivers experience.
Nearly three-fourths (74 percent) of family caregivers who hide their feelings are overwhelmed, but that same percent of caregivers also feel loved. And the list goes on: 70 percent feel frustrated while 73 percent feel appreciated; 64 percent feel anxious while the same number of caregivers feel satisfied.
Caregiving expert, Dr. Amy D'Aprix says that, in many ways, caregiving is similar to other life events that can bring conflicting feelings. "So often the focus is on singular emotions, but that isn't always the case. Marriage is joyful but also comes with losses. And who's not scared when they have their first child, also a happy occasion? The idea of conflicting emotions is part of any life event and caregiving is just rife with them." Two attributes that set caregiving apart, though, are intensity of caregiving situations and the lack of planning that generally precipitates the need for care. "With a child there is nine months to prepare, but with caregiving there's usually a phone call to say a loved one is in need of help," Dr. D'Aprix said. |
Dr. D'Aprix offers these tips to help caregivers overcome the anxiety of the unexpected need for caregiving. For more information visit www.HiddenCaregiverEmotions.com |
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1. Look at your situational concern.
What can you control? If your Dad is diabetic you can control the food you serve and your attitude about his condition. What you cannot control is what he eats. Other common worries are, "What if my Dad dies first? What will I do with Mom?" These are things you can't control, so try not to worry until they happen, Dr. D'Aprix advises.
2. Have an outlet.
You need someone you can talk with who is non-judgemental and not a family member - someone with whom to vent. Find it in a friend or caregiver support group.
3. Recognize your limitations.
Be realistic about what you can do. Too many family caregivers bite off more than they can chew. Set priorities and get help when needed.
Dr. D'Aprix said caregivers should try to avoid classifying emotions as good and bad. "Just recognizing it's normal to feel many emotions when your a family caregiver helps take the power away from the emotion. There's less need to hide them if we don't make some bad and some good. If your feeling great love along with anger, there's no need to bury all of those feelings."
To ask Dr. D'Aprix a question about caregiving and learn more about how to deal with the stress of family caregiving, go to www.caregiverstress.com.
New!
Caregiver Support Group
We still have a few spots left!
Starting in September 2012,
Home Instead Senior Care will be running a caregiver support group for anyone who is caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.
The support group will be limited to 6 people and will meet the second Monday evening of every month from 6pm - 8pm in the Training Room at our Northborough location.
Discussions will be facilitated and guided towards understanding individual situations and creating solutions to the many different needs of the group. It will be a place to share your feelings, hear from others in similar situations and get help solving mutual problems. Light refreshments will be served.
You must register to attend. To register please email Felicia Cardone at: 1-888-377-4446 |
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The Alzheimer's Association is almost entirely privately funded. Awareness is our hope.
Join in the movement to end Alzheimer's disease!
The Worcester County Walk To End Alzheimer's is September 30,
2012 at Quinsigamond Community College. Be there at 10am!
TO DONATE or JOIN OUR TEAM for the WALK CLICK HERE
All team members will be provided a team -t-shirt for the day of The Walk!
If you have signed up to walk with our team, please email Wendy Nollman at wendy.nollman@homeinstead.com with your t-shirt size.
For more information about this and other senior issues related to health and well being please visit our website:
www.hearthside-homeinstead.com
Home Instead Senior Care:
Trusted Care for the Senior You Care For
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September 2012
Accredited by
the Home Care Alliance of
Massachusetts |
Over 1300 Likes and a donation of $1000 to the Alzheimer's Association! Thank you to all our new friends for participating in the fundraiser!
We regularly post relevant information to help you and your senior loved ones navigate the
aging process.
Ask questions and comment about what you would like to read
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What's the right thing
to do for Mom and Dad
as they get older?
Learn how to:
*Form an early and strong partnership with your parents and siblings
*Strategize on connecting with doctors and other care providers
*Navigate medical crisis
*Create a committed advocacy team
*Reach out with greater empathy and awarenes
*Face the end-of-life time with confidence and skill
"My Mother,
Your Mother"
by
Dr. Dennis McCullough
www.amazon.com
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 Home Instead Senior Care is the preferred home care provider for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Wellness programs. Call 1-888-377-4446 to find out about the discount we offer plan members.
Home Instead Senior Care serves the Greater Worcester County and MetroWest areas
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 Our Home Instead Senior Care Office Locations:
386 W. Main Street, Suite 14
Northborough, MA 01532
508-393-8338
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209 W. Central Street, Suite 216
Natick, MA 01760
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Family Caregiver Support Webinar Series for Professionals
Home Instead has teamed up with the American Society on Aging to present a series of 12 FREE monthly web seminars that address pertinent caregiving issues. The webinar series feature a variety of topics that will help you help family caregivers navigate the many issues that will arise while caring for an older adult.
Each 1 hour webinar is 1 CEU credit.
Pre-registration is required to attend the live webinars but they are also available online for 60 days afterwards to take at your convenience.
Click Here to Sign up |
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Caregiver Support Group Leader, Felicia Cardone:
Felicia Cardone is an Alzheimer's Association Support Group Leader who has unique personal experience with Alzheimer's and other dementias. As her mother's caregiver for over 13 years, Felicia experienced the disease through all of its phases. Felicia has been with Home Instead Senior Care since 2001 and is the CAREGiver Training and Retention Supervisor (among her many other responsibilities) for Home Instead Senior Care in the Northborough and Natick offices.
www.hearthside-homeinstead.com |
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