Often, caregivers feel overwhelmed, isolated and alone. They may feel as if they are a failure if they admit that they are in over their head in regards to caring for an aging family member. They may not want to make a fuss of being overwhelmed for fear of embarrassing or making the elder feel guilty. The reality is that providing care for elderly or disabled adults requires patients, time and love. In the caregiver’s efforts to provide all of this, it is easy to see how they may neglect themselves. Very few caregivers that commit abuse would have ever dreamed they could be abusive.
Ask a caregiver you know these questions, and seek professional help if red flags exist.
- Are you getting enough rest?
- Are you taking care of your own health? When have you been to a doctor last?
- Have your feelings for the person you are caring from becoming more negative over time?
- Is the person you are caring for ever physically or verbally abusive towards you?
- Are you feeling overwhelmed?
- Does your spouse resent the amount of time you are spending as a caregiver?
- Are you angry that no one is helping you care for your elderly family member?
- Are any problems in your family’s history resurfacing now that you are a caregiver?
- When did you last have a day and night off?
- Is your family helping to divide the responsibilities of care?
