Five Things No one Told Us About Being A Caregiver

Caring for your loved ones is a beautiful and humbling experience. It can also be an extremely challenging reality. Sometimes the duties and tasks of caregiving have unforeseen consequences and create ripple effects into other aspects of your life. 

While these realities are sometimes minimized or overlooked, we want to take the time here to call out possible blind spots in any expectations as a caregiver. If you are considering becoming a full-time caregiver, here are five truths to keep in mind that possibly weren’t discussed:

Your Relationships Will Be Affected

This may seem harsh but it’s often true. The daily job of being a caregiver does not come with much inherent gratitude or reward. As a result, overwhelmed and exhausted caregivers can become easily triggered by other friends and family members. As caregivers have less time for other relationships and commitments they may have to cancel plans or miss the joy of social events, causing a build up of resentment and conflict.

Breaks are Very Important

Being a caregiver demands that you learn to take a break from time to time if you truly desire to continue going. Being a full time caregiver is a stressful and demanding task that will take a toll on your mind, body and personal relationships. While self-care and time-off may elicit feelings of guilt, remember, caregivers need regular breaks to stay compassionate and motivated.

Discomfort is Common

Sometimes being a caregiver means a loss of privacy. It also means experiencing things that you would not necessarily accommodate. It means having to endure unpredictable and undesirable situations from time to time. Being asked to put another’s comfort above your own on a regular basis can take its toll. 

Caregiving can be a lonely journey

Even though caregivers are usually with someone else most of the time, it can be a lonely path. This is especially true when caring for someone with a chronic illness or disability. You may experience feelings of isolation and disconnection from your social life. Make sure to prioritize your mental health whenever you can. 

It can Easily Become Long-Term Commitment

Becoming a caregiver is usually a long-term prospect. It involves daily unending demand often continuing for years. To help avoid burn-out, don’t forget to focus on the joy that caregiving can bring.

Final Thoughts

There is much benefit to being a caregiver but it still requires facing the reality of some of the setbacks that come with the role to ensure that caregivers learn to happily exist and sustain their job, life and relationships. 

The challenges of caregiving can be hard to face on your own. Are you considering caring for a friend or family at home? You may be eligible for free support through Mass Care Link including  a monthly payment. Find out if you qualify!