Video Transcript
[0:00] Welcome to Caregiver SOS by Bay Alarm Medical. My name is Haley Burress. I’m a caregiving expert here to talk about the ugly side of caregiving that no one talks about — the most frustrating and challenging parts of caring for an aging family member, and how to get through it.
[0:15] Let’s talk about when to quit caregiving. Here’s our question. “I have been caring for my aunt, who is like a second mother to me, for years. I have helped her through cancer treatment, chronic pain, and lots of other stuff that has come with her aging. I’ve given it my best, but I think I’m done. Is it ever okay to walk away from caregiving?”
[0:44] I have worked with family caregivers for many years, and one thing I will always say is that you can leave caregiving at any time. It’s okay. You have to take care of yourself.
[0:58] If possible, you do want to leave caregiving without leaving your loved one in a lurch. You want them to still be safe and healthy. So depending on what your aunt relies on you for, you want to try to replace that support before you step away completely. Using resources like home care services, free meal delivery services, and other local services can help with this.
[1:25] Start by contacting the senior services department in your aunt’s town as well as her local Area Agency on Aging. They can put you in contact with agencies and resources that can help during this transition.
[1:42] Will you feel guilty? Probably — and that’s okay too. Will your aunt be angry? Maybe. She might also completely understand.
[1:55] In any case, if you feel like your time with caregiving is done, honor that. You deserve to be healthy too.
[2:02] Like and subscribe for more caregiving advice.
