5 ways to manage feelings of frustration when giving in-home care seniors

5 ways to manage feelings of frustration when giving in-home care seniors

Giving care to seniors with dementia can really feel exhausting and too frustrating at times. It‘s no easy feat to lengthen your patience and keep your composure, no matter the context surrounding how you’ve embraced your new role in the family.

Yes, giving much needed care to your senior loved ones can be very rewarding. But more often than not, family caregivers find themselves feeling drained, stressed, angry, and sad at one point in their lives.

Watch the video below to find out more:

A few telltale signs of what experts call “caregiving stress” include the following:

• Being constantly worried;

• Feeling tired and drained;

• Frequent bouts with headache, back aches, or other unusual body pains;

• Unusual sleeping patterns and other sleep issues;

• Gaining or losing weight;

• Substance or alcohol abuse

• Losing drive to relax and enjoy;

• Feeling down for most parts of the day.

If you find yourself suffering from any of these symptoms, then it’s about time you do something about it and prioritize your own mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Here are five things you can do to avoid suffering from “caregiving stress” while caring for seniors with dementia:

Set realistic goals

List down everything that you want to achieve in order of priority. Break down more complex goals into simpler and easier tasks that you can cross out your list.

Focus on the task at hand

Stop worrying about things that lie way ahead in the future. Focus on the now and what you can do at present. Worrying will only make you feel anxious and guilty.

Connect with others

Understand that you are not alone in this ordeal. And the best way to unburden yourself, at least from an emotional standpoint, is to be part of a supportive community of family caregivers. Seek help in the most ideal place possible.

Look after your own health

Do yoga whenever you can. Go out for a quick run during your free time. Read or do craft activities together with your loved one as often as you can. Set your own health goals and make a conscious effort to achieve them as often as you can.

Ask for help

Of course, asking for help never hurt anyone. What’s more, it’s one of the most effective ways to look after your emotional and mental wellbeing.

Reach out to a fellow family user or a close friend and seek help if you’re getting a bit burned out. It’s always a great idea to share the load with a willing soul.

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