Full Video Transcript
[0:00] Welcome to Caregiver SOS by Bay Alarm Medical.
[0:03] My name is Haley Burress. I’m a caregiving expert here to talk about the ugly side of caregiving that no one else talks about — the most frustrating and challenging parts of caring for an aging family member, and how to get through it.
[0:17] Let’s dive into a common question I hear often: I love my mom so much and I know that I chose to help her as she has needed it. But sometimes I feel resentful. I’m losing so much time with my friends, my kids, my husband, my life to help her out. How can I stop feeling angry toward my mom?
[0:37] A lot of family members feel this way at some point in their caregiving journey, and that can make them feel like a bad son or daughter — but it’s natural to feel some anger. It’s important to note that your anger isn’t really toward your mom. Caregivers are angry because their lives are a lot more complicated and difficult now that mom needs more help.
[0:59] Family caregiving is exhausting. It takes a lot of time and energy, which means that time and energy aren’t going toward other people and other parts of your life. That’s tough.
[1:10] It’s hard when your girlfriends are all getting together for an impromptu lunch, but you already have plans to take your mom to the doctor. And it’s hard when you want to go watch your kid play their soccer match, but your mom isn’t feeling well and you need to take her to the emergency room.
[1:26] These incidents can stack up. And when you pair that feeling of missing out with the grief you feel watching your aging loved one decline, the physical exhaustion of caregiving, and all your other personal and professional obligations — it’s no wonder you end up feeling resentful.
[1:44] There are a few ways you can lessen some of that anger and resentment. First, ask for help from family members and friends so that you aren’t taking on the brunt of caregiving duties all alone.
[1:56] Next, schedule time for rest and time away from your caregiving role. You can’t effectively care for someone if you are feeling angry all the time.
[2:08] Like and subscribe for more caregiving advice.
