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Especially
for carers, a note on GUILT…
Guilt
is a frequent companion when caring for a relative
with dementia. You may feel guilty about putting your
relative into a nursing home after promising never
to even think about it. Or you feel guilty about feeling
relief when the caring comes to an end; or if you
get short tempered and yell at the person with dementia;
or for seeking respite; or some other reason.
Guilt
is a crippling emotion that only serves to increase
your stress. It may help to recognise and remind yourself
of the following:
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You
have needs as well. Unless they are met, you
cannot continue to care to the best of your
ability.
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You
are human. You too have needs which must be
met if you are to continue to care to the best
of your ability. Total selflessness doesn't
do either you, or the person for whom you are
caring, any good.
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There
are limitations to how much one person can do.
Recognising those limitations and seeking assistance
is not a weakness, but a strength.
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Feeling
guilty isn't going to change the situation.
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PRAISE
yourself. You have shown the strength and courage
to accept the most difficult challenge there
is: caring.
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