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 wants to talk about — the most frustrating and challenging parts of caring for an aging family member, and how to get through it.
[0:24] Let’s talk about our next question: “I’ve been caring for my mom for about 6 months now, and I’m just coming to terms with the fact that I feel like I have lost all the freedom and spontaneity in my life. I can’t do a lot of the things I normally would anymore because of my caregiving role. How do you cope with this loss?”
[0:40] This is a normal feeling to have, and I’m glad that you’re able to recognize that you’re feeling a loss. Coping with that loss begins with finding ways to maintain that feeling of freedom.
[0:48] Respite care is always my go-to support to recommend for family caregivers. Respite care provides rest for the caregiver while still giving the senior the support and assistance they need.
[1:00] You can find respite care by asking a neighbor, family member, or friend to sit with your mom for a few hours each week so that you can get some time to yourself — go to dinner, take a nap, start a new hobby. You can also find respite care through home care agencies, and even through senior living communities, where they have guest suites that seniors can stay in for a few days or weeks at a time.
[1:25] Schedule respite care into your calendar and don’t reschedule it. You’re worth the rest and the time away from your caregiving role.
[1:32] Take a few hours away to join a pickleball league, or take days away to go on vacation. You can still find ways to have the freedom you want.
[1:50] If you’ve experienced this, share your story in the comments, we read every one.
[2:00] And don’t forget to like and subscribe for more caregiving advice.
