Daughter's Around-the-Clock Caregiving Needs Adjustment, Not Guilt

Photo Credit John Mark Smith Dear Carol: My dad, 84, can shower, dress and eat. He’s continent and takes no medications, he can read, his hearing is OK and he’s non-combative. What he can’t do is stay safe. My presence is needed 24/7 because he’s living in an altered state of reality. I read about caregiver burnout, but these people seem to do so much more than I do that I feel guilty complaining. Even so, I know that I need help. When I sleep, my back burner is always on waiting for him to wake me because of an imaginary intruder or because he forgot something. I'm always worried that he could be wandering through the house and I wouldn’t know it. Should I hire someone to be in the house overnight so my sleep can be solid? Am I being too much of a pansy? I feel the comfort of knowing someone else is available while I sleep may help me endure this marathon. — BH. Continue reading on Inforum to learn more about how to transition to a better care approach without drowning in guilt: Support a caregiver or jump-start discussion in support groups with real stories - for bulk orders of Minding Our Elders e-mail Carol                  Related StoriesThe Approach of Christmas Often Intensifies Grief for Surviving SpouseAdult Children from Abusive Families Should Make Self-Care A Priority10 Steps That Can Take Us Toward Gratitude During Difficult Times 
Source: Minding Our Elders - Category: Geriatrics Authors: Source Type: blogs