Criticism from Uninformed Outsiders Difficult for Caregivers to Swallow

Dear Carol: I’m wondering if you have advice for people who are shamed by others who judge their caregiving. I am an around-the-clock caregiver and have been for several years. I love my dad unconditionally and owe him everything. We live in an extremely rural area and don’t have access to agencies that can come in for a few hours so it’s me or no one. I get stressed and emotionally tired. Then, when I do take a little time away, I hear from outsiders about how I’ll regret it and how they’d be thrilled to care for their parent and would never complain. I’m sorry if I sound bitter but they truly have no idea. CG Read full column on Inforum about how to withstand it when others shame you: Support a caregiver or jump-start discussion in support groups with real stories - for bulk orders of Minding Our Elders e-mail Carol   Related articles Beyond Burnout: When Caregivers Go Over the Line Into Compassion Fatigue (Minding Our Elders®) Free Caring for the Caregiver Summit - begins March 19th (Minding Our Elders®) Humor Acts as Armor Against Caregivers' Grief (Minding Our Elders®)                Related StoriesLife Can Be Hard: Phrases for Caregivers to Live ByTips for Refreshing the Caregiving Routine for Both Care PartnersAt What Moment Did You Realize You Were a Caregiver? 
Source: Minding Our Elders - Category: Geriatrics Authors: Source Type: blogs