Feeling Guilty When the Caregiver's Role Ends
Home care is a great option if you are looking to take a break. But you have to properly screen.
Look for home care. Not all programs are the same, and some options can be having a caregiver living in the home fulltime to rotating several workers to having part-time help when you need a rest. The type of care you need will depend on your loved one’s needs. Your local Area Agency on Aging will have information on the different levels of care that are available.
Be sure to check any credentials carefully and request references and be very specific as to want you expect with a home care employee. Find out what the caregiver’s expectations are for the job and discuss what tasks you want them to do and what they are trained to do. Find out if there are things that a substitute caregiver will or cannot do.
Also, remain realistic in your expectations for caregivers. Don’t expect more from them than you would do yourself. Accept that non-paid caregivers are not going to care as much as you do, but do not feel like you are abandoning your loved one.
Assisted Living facilities can be an appropriate way to give yourself a break. Finding assisted living can be very traumatic, and the emotion and guilt can be overwhelming. Find the best care living facility by contacting your local Area Agency on Aging.