Stepping Back from Alzheimer’s Care for Grandma
It may be selfish, but there are times that I can honestly say I’ve had enough. I care for my elderly grandmother who is in the later stages of Alzheimer’s, and I try to be everything for her; but I just can’t do it all. Say what you will, maybe I’m selfish to say it’s too much for me, but I’ve learned that it’s okay to focus on me now and again. After years of providing for my own family, balancing a career, and acting as the primary caregiver for my elderly grandmother, I’m burning out. Maybe taking a step back is selfish, but I also feel like it will be doing her a favor, because I’ll be better equipped to care for her.
From now on, when I feel stressed, I’m going to do something for me. If that means hiring a home caregiver who specializes in Alzheimer’s to take over for a week, while I hit the spa; I’m going to do it. Sometimes caring for someone you love who has Alzheimer’s is hard; my grandmother doesn’t necessarily realize how much she’s changing, but it can be hard not to take it personally when she doesn’t recognize me or attacks me emotionally because she’s in one of her moods that come with the disease. So that’s it, sometimes it’s got to be about me too; as much as I love my grandmother, I think it’s best for both of us. If selfish is the label that applies to me, then bring it on.
Sources:
1. Health and Age
2. ProQuest
Image Source: pro.corbis.com
Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.
