Deciding to hire in-home care for a loved one is one of the most difficult decisions a family can make, because there are a lot of mixed emotions attached to it—the emotions of guilt, fear, and self-doubt. Many families struggle with the feeling that hiring help means that they’re failing in their duty to care for someone they love, and fear that they are not doing enough. But this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Why Family Caregivers Feel Guilty About Hiring Home Care Services
Many times, guilt comes from traditional family roles and expectations. Often, adult children or their spouses think they should be able to care for their loved ones entirely, and using outside help is a sign of failure. Society’s emphasis on family duty can amplify this, making professional care feel like a betrayal. In addition, family caregivers are often physically and emotionally exhausted trying to balance work, kids, and caregiving, and it becomes easy to internalize guilt, thinking that they are not trying hard enough.
How to Overcome Caregiver Guilt and Choose Peace of Mind
The best way to overcome guilt is to change one’s viewpoint. Hiring in-home care isn’t about letting go of family responsibilities but helping aging loved ones receive the support they need. Caregivers and nurses are professionals who bring expertise to the table. They are able to provide support in medication management, vital signs monitoring, home safety inspections, personal hygiene and grooming, mobility support, and much more. Those services do not replace you, but complement your responsibilities. Changing the thought patterns can help you overcome guilt and focus on emotional connection with aging loved ones instead of the everyday routine.
By letting caregivers take care of bathing or meal prep, it frees your time for more important tasks. Studies show caregiver burnout affects 40% of family caregivers, leading to stress-related health issues. “Caregivers of people who are ill should not feel guilty about taking a break and maintaining their own health,” says Kellie L.K. Tamashiro, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins. “It’s difficult to step away and admit you need help, but if you don’t take care of yourself first, it’s hard to take care of others.” In-home care can help you take a necessary break, which will not only help you but also aging family member you care for.
By choosing in-home care from Just Like Family Home Care, you’re putting your aging loved ones’ well-being first while, at the same time, protecting your own health. If you’re ready to find out how Just Like Family Home Care can support your family, reach out for a free consultation. We’re here to help you go through this stage of life with compassion and understanding, helping your loved ones feel valued and cherished at all times.