Do You Have Long-Term Caregiver Fatigue?

In this week’s episode, counselor Margaret McGahon addresses the pains of long-term caregivers. The 'caregiver role' can take a toll on the caregiver's mental, physical, and emotional well-being. McGahon says that it's only a matter of time that we experience some form of 'compassion-fatigue,' "It's not a matter of 'if' we experience vicarious trauma or caregiver burnout, it's a matter of 'when' we experience it."
McGahon shares some important tips as well as some reflective exercises for caregivers to practice to ensure that they are still taking care of themselves. "It is critical to take care of yourself, even when you feel that there is no space to do it. If we imagine ourselves as an "instrument" of caregiving, we must be polished and well-tuned."
You can view any or all of the Counselors McGahon and Kathryn Clarke videos in our video counseling library to hear more of their insights.

[@amg726]

I've been doing this 5 years, 24/7, by myself. I'm 59 years old. My dad is 93. I don't/can't work because he needs supervision 24/7. I had just finished raising my kids...the last graduated from high school, when I had to come here to do this. I don't even feel human anymore. I don't eat well because we can't afford it due to inflation/financial difficulties. I'm not at a breaking point. I'm broken. I have chronic health problems myself and they're getting worse. I can't even get myself to the doctor because I can't drive anymore. I try to get rest and sleep but he's up all night and most days I can't even take a nap. There is no one to ask for help and I'm not exaggerating. Family has no interest in helping. It's unreal. It might sound like I'm making a bunch of excuses or being negative but the truth is I'm finally being honest about this situation. This country should do better by us. I'm at a loss at even what to do next because a nursing home is so expensive. Some of us out here are completely and utterly alone.

[@whyimsmarterthanyou]

Just walk away if you can. The aged will only take and take and take from you, financially and or emotionally. Today, Dad got confused and took a double dose of blood pressure, beta blocker and blood thinners. He flew into an absolute rage when I decided to call his doctor to ask if I should hold back his nighttime meds or just carry on as per usual. I actually felt anxiety for a moment. A second later the doc came on the line and explained what I needed to do about his evening meds. Not the first time he's pulled this kind of rage at me for reaching out for professional help. It's almost like he's afraid that he's going to "get in trouble" from someone or some authority. Often times the authority is a doctor, but other times it's City Hall, the garbage man or a neighbour. He's an odd one for sure. Poor ole Mum. I know he pulled this act on her for years and years. I feel bad I wasn't more supportive of her when she was the one dealing with his moods and tantrums.

[@strawberrysyrup13]

Sounds like alzheimers which isn't his fault

[@jean6460]

🙏🏼❤️