If your life revolves around caring for a senior family member, in addition to the needs of your children, spouse, job, pets, etc., life can quickly become completely overwhelming. No one can do it all, and trying to juggle so many balls alone is a recipe for a variety of mental and physical health problems.
If you find yourself experiencing the following symptoms of emotional overload, it may be time to accept some much-needed respite care, rather than continuing to shoulder the burden alone:
- Anxiety: Feelings of concern or worry are common when providing care for an aging parent, particularly when faced with the unknown and situations that are out of our control.
- Guilt: “Am I doing enough? Is there more I should be doing? How can I think of myself when Mom and the kids need me?”
- Anger: Anger can quickly manifest from fear and anxiety, and can sometimes be misdirected onto a loved one – resulting in more feelings of guilt and anxiety…a vicious circle.
- Grief: As a loved one ages, a sense of loss for the person who once was can be powerful. And watching a loved one continue to decline only exacerbates the feelings.
It’s so important for family caregivers to know that this stage of life as a “sandwich generation” caregiver does not have to be – nor, should it be – a solo journey. Accepting help does not mean failure or ineptitude. Partnering with a trusted Michigan senior home care agency is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy life balance.
A professional senior care agency, like Home Sweet Home In-Home Care in Michigan, can step in to assist with some of the daily task aspects of caregiving, such as light housework, planning and preparing meals, running errands, and tending to personal care needs – allowing family caregivers a chance to spend more quality time with their loved ones.
Call on Home Sweet Home In-Home Care for compassionate senior care; we are here for you every step of the way!