Maybe you’re trying to repay them after everything they’ve done for you. Or maybe you’re hesitant to trust someone else with their care. Or maybe your loved one just flat-out refuses additional help from a memory care community. Whatever the situation, being the primary caregiver for a family member with dementia is hard. And feelings of guilt are likely to creep in along the way.

What is Caregiver Guilt?

Caregiver guilt is an extremely real and painful experience, and it comes in many different forms. Feeling overwhelmed with the responsibilities of caregiving, feeling impatient with your loved one, or even blaming yourself for things that have happened are common. Guilt can often lead to feelings of shame, depression, anxiety, anger, and even resentment towards the person you’re caring for.

The realization that you are no longer able to care for your loved one with dementia is an unsure and overwhelming process. It’s tough to let go and turn to additional support, especially when your loved one is refusing. Caregiver guilt can have real consequences for the relationship with your loved one if it goes on too long. But at the end of the day, you must do what’s best for both of you. Their health and safety matter most, and so does your well-being.

How to Cope

A dementia diagnosis flips your world upside down and realizing that you can no longer care for your family member is a lot to bear. Fortunately, there are ways to cope with the guilt you are dealing with.

• Be kind to yourself: Remind yourself that guilt, shame, and resentment are perfectly normal emotions for caregivers to experience. It’s a challenging process to watch the progression of dementia in your loved one.
• Seek out support: Join a support group or talk to others in similar situations to gain perspective, process your emotions, and learn that you’re not alone in this journey.
• Prioritize self-care: Take time for yourself—it’s not selfish. Participate in your favorite hobbies or consider journaling to alleviate stress and manage your feelings.
• Give it time: Adjusting to a new environment takes time—for both you and your loved one. It’s a gradual process, and it’s okay if it doesn’t happen overnight.
• Believe it’s for the best: It’s never going to be an easy decision to loosen the reins and accept help; however, know that you will be improving the quality of life for your loved one, both medically and socially.

Memory Care

After deciding that additional support is needed, you’ll probably ask yourself: What now?

As dementia progresses into the later stages, it may be time to consider memory care. Memory care communities are designed to meet the needs of individuals facing cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Our team at Northshore Heights is specially trained to focus on the unique strengths and needs of every resident. Your loved one will receive personalized care and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, grooming, and dressing. Additionally, on-site nursing staff are available to address any health concerns that arise, providing you with both comfort and peace of mind.

Our community is dedicated to creating a warm, comfortable, and safe space where your loved one can feel right at home. We also offer around-the-clock memory care activities schedule intended to stimulate the mind and ensure that every resident is left entirely fulfilled. Some of these activities include daily exercises, music therapy, classes, clubs, social gatherings, and various games tailored to memory care.

At Northshore Heights, our memory care community offers more than just a place to live — it’s a new beginning filled with meaningful possibilities. We understand that the transition into memory care can be a challenging and emotional decision. That’s why we’re here to walk alongside your loved one on their dementia journey, offering compassionate support every step of the way. Contact us today!

As adults get older, they often insist on maintaining their independence and want to continue aging in place at their homes. The concept of privacy and autonomy is very important to us; however, there may be a time when it’s no longer safe for an older relative’s well-being for them to continue living alone at home. Our assisted living community provides support with assistance with activities of daily living, recreational activities, and staffing to ensure your loved one receives the care and support they deserve. Moving your relative into a senior living facility can seem intimidating, but it will provide peace of mind for you and increase safety and comfort for your loved one.

Though it can be emotionally difficult to consider, your older relative may need additional oversight. Here are some signs that it may be time for assisted living:

Withdrawal from Interests and Social Activities

Social engagement and keeping busy are important to the mental health and well-being of all of us. If you notice your relative pulling back from social commitments and showing a lack of interest in their hobbies and activities, this may be a cause for concern. Our assisted living community provides a calendar of events for residents and an engaging social network to combat loneliness.

Difficulty Completing Daily Living Activities

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are important essential activities of everyday life, such as bathing and toileting. When adults get older, many of them experience difficulties with these tasks. When it becomes too cumbersome for your relatives to complete ADLs on their own, it may be time for them to move to an assisted living facility. Our community aids with daily living activities, ranging from reminders to physical assistance from personal care aides.

Errors in Medication Self-Administration

Medication management is crucial for seniors. As seniors age, it is not uncommon for them to have trouble with taking the correct dosage of their medication at the right time. These mistakes can be seen as unimportant, but they may also have serious health consequences for your loved one. Our assisted living community can assist seniors with medication reminders and assistance.

Increased Safety Concerns

The elderly are at a higher risk than most for falling and receiving injuries. Many seniors insist on staying in their homes as they age, but there may be a point where the fall risk is too significant for them to live independently at home, especially for individuals who have homes with stairs or slippery floors. Our assisted living community has enhanced safety features, including grab bars, non-slip mats, and call buttons for emergency assistance.

Caregiving from Family Members Becomes Overwhelming

Many adults consider it an honor to take care of their aging parents, as their family once took care of them; however, the reality of caregiving can be emotionally and physically demanding on caregivers, with many reporting burnout and increased feelings of anxiety and depression. There may also be a point where a relative’s needs exceed the caregiving abilities of their family members. This is a good time to consider assisted living for your loved one. Our community can provide more assistance and care from multiple caregivers in a secure setting.

Your older relative may resist or express concern about moving into an assisted living facility, with many having fears about loss of autonomy and insistence that they don’t need help, however, senior care communities provide an opportunity to give support while maintaining a resident’s independence to the best of their ability. In our community, we value both independence and safety, encouraging residents to take part in planned activities and outings. Family and friends are always welcome to visit and be part of the experience.

Schedule a private tour today and discover why our community in Knoxville TN could be the perfect place for your loved one to feel at home.