Working as a caregiver that provides home care requires the gift of patience and love. But even if you have these in spades, the job can still be trying.
Caregivers often develop a feeling of resentment for the cared-for person. Resentment may occur because of the work caregiving demands. This will no doubt eventually affect your mental and emotional health, as well as your ability to properly care for a special needs individual that depends on your support.
What to do with Anger and Resentment as a Caregiver
If you’ve ever experienced anger, resentment, or frustration while providing care services to a person with special needs, it’s understandable. What’s important is what you do with that negative energy and learn how to relieve yourself of that burden.
The first thing you need to know is that your anger and resentment isn’t aimed at your ward. Rather your anger is toward their disability which has placed both of you in this position. It is crucial not to lash out at your loved one and remember that they didn’t choose to be the way they are.
If you give in to the anger and wallow in it, it will begin tainting your relationship with your ward. So, what do you do with your anger before it boils over and gets out of control?
The first thing is to remember the basics – Breathe and exercise patience. If things become too heavy, take some alone time to calm yourself down and regroup. Remember to get enough rest, eat well, and exercise to help relieve stress and unwind. Time for yourself and your needs is just as important as the time for your ward, so be sure to set boundaries.
Now that you have the basics down, here’s what to do when your emotions overwhelm you – Focus.
Don’t let the ailment or disability or mess stoke your emotions. Instead of focusing on what is upsetting you, focus on the task at hand. Whatever it is that you are doing at that time, give it your 100% attention. By doing this, your mind will not be able to linger on what’s stoking the flame of your anger or resentment, which will cause it to die down.
You are using your work as a caregiver to distract yourself from what’s triggering your resentment and frustration.
Many home health care agency professionals will admit that this tactic works but requires practice. The key to making it work is focusing your complete attention on the steps of the task at hand. By focusing your mind on the steps of your work, it won’t have enough resources to focus on stoking the flames of anger.
Soon as you complete the task at hand, take a few minutes to break and do something soothing or livening to restore yourself to a healthier emotional state.
Home health care is an important job, but the physical and mental health of the caregiver is just as important. If you begin to feel overwhelmed by your duties, do not hesitate to contact our home health agency in Boca Raton for assistance.