How
to Cope with 3 Common Caregiver Frustrations
Caring for your
parents or another loved one can offer rewards beyond what you can imagine. But
that doesn’t mean your caregiving life remains free from frustrations that
range from large to small. You may at times find yourself feeling irritated
with your loved one or resentful of family members who refuse to help you. If
you have these feelings, you’re not alone. The following quotes are from real
family caregivers in the Alzheimer’s community. Hear what they have to say
about their caregiving frustrations, and try some of the suggested solutions.
UNHELPFUL FAMILY MEMBERS
“I have 2 siblings who live in
the area and two out of state. My mother has lived with me going on 3 years.
Not once has either local sibling offered to take mom out, take her to supper,
or take her for the weekend. They begrudgingly take her when I ask months in
advance.”
“I have three other siblings
that do not care to help with her care. I work full time and have a daughter
graduating high school this year. I try to show my daughter patience and care
in taking care of mom but it isn't easy.”
Solutions to try:
FREQUENT CRYING AND MOOD CHANGES
“My mom has been at my house
for 3 weeks now and at times has forgotten who I was and she cries most of the
day. How do I cope with the daily changing of her personality without losing my
mind?”
“Mom also has been crying a lot
at night lately. She says she misses her mother and a baby she lost (at 3
months old) back in the 60's. I don't know how to handle her when this happens.
Mom cried for 40 minutes the other night.”
Solutions to try:
HOW DO I GET MOM TO SHOWER?
“I have the challenge of
getting my mom to shower. She is wheelchair bound but can transfer to a chair
we have in the shower. She wants only sponge baths, and it is the topic of
disagreement often. She has some minor dementia. Help!”
“What do I find most
frustrating? So many situations to choose from...let's see. I think it is the
showering/bathing. She gives us lip service EVERY TIME!!! She says, ‘I’m not
dirty,’ ‘I just did this today,’ or ‘I know what u r up to?’ And she wants to
wear her depends and slippers in. It is such a struggle.”
Solutions to try:
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