Caregiving for an older adult or an adult with special needs can have its toll. Sometimes, the stress and frustration about the demands of caregiving can boil over into anger, rage, and resentment. So, how does one go about coping with anger as a family caregiver?

Here’s the Deal About Being a Family Caregiver

Anger in a family caregiver can look different for different people. It can be anger towards the person they are are giving care for; anger towards the disease that is plaguing their loved ones, anger towards the healthcare system, or anger towards the whole situation. Sometimes, it could also be anger towards all the hoops and hurdles they have to overcome on a daily basis.

Then, there’s also the physical toll and the financial pressures of caregiving.

There’s also resentment. Caregiving for a family member, whether an older adult or an adult with special needs, may come with many demands. Sometimes, the responsibility of meeting these demands can fall to mostly one person, which may seem unfair and so, feelings of injustice may creep up. Anger may also arise towards other family members who do not step up.

There will also be the social isolation, which many family caregivers experience as they spend more time with the person they’re supporting and caring for.

They may also neglect their own needs and put those of their charge’s needs first. They may not have time to tend for themselves. They may stop doing the things they used to find joy in, with caregiving tasks taking most of their time and energy.

So there are many feelings that can simmer and it may be hard for family caregivers to talk to someone about their feelings. Or have someone to talk to who can share their feelings and relate with them.

 

Let’s Take a Moment to Talk About Caregiver Anger

Caregiver anger, among many other feelings, are definitely there. However, and unfortunately, they are not often talked about. Sometimes, these feelings are swept under the rug. One downside to this is that this can cause the caregiver to resort to rage, which can then cause elder abuse. Another would be caregiver depression, which can also be interrelated with abuse.

Either way, it’s important to get help also for the caregiver. As the family member of both the caregiver and the one being cared for. Here are some tips you can do to help. If you are the caregiver yourself, the following tips are also crucial in helping you deal with caregiver anger.

 

Coping with Caregiver Anger

1. Name your emotion and then process it. Take a step back and reflect on what’s causing your feelings. What’s the reason for the anger? Are there patterns? Is there something you can do about it? Are there steps that you can take to change the situation? Find out what your triggers are and find out how you can better take control of your own emotions.
2. Sit in your emotions. Another key thing is to learn to accept these painful and big emotions without judging them or yourself for having them. Let the emotions wash over you; feel them; and then let go. Accept what you can’t change and then change what you can. You may also consider speaking with a professional to allow you to process these emotions.
3. Find a community or support system. You can’t do it alone. Get help for yourself or your loved one. Hearing how other people are going through the same things you’re going through can do wonders for your mental health, too. This will also help you feel less isolated.
4. Get help. There are also facilities such as Blessed Home that can help you provide care for your loved ones so you can have a breather for yourself. When things can get overwhelming, we have our in-house caregivers to provide the support that you need for your loved ones. Talk to us today!

 

At Blessed Home, we can help you understand that you have more options when it comes to caring for your older loved ones or adults with special needs. Talk to us to learn more or schedule an appointment.