Most Common Fears of Family Caregiving and How to Work Through Them

Fear of “doing it wrong”

If you are coming into this experience from a place of love, grace, and compassion for your loved one, you are not doing it wrong.
There is also no “right” way to be a great Caregiver and although that is both difficult to come to terms with, it allows for a lot of unique expression of what it feels like to be successful by your own definition.

The very best action you can take when this fear creeps in, is to practice affirmations that feel supportive of the great job you are actually doing. Continue to educate yourself on this topic and how you can be the best you can be, but trust you are not doing it “wrong”. If you have difficulty overcoming this one, extend a request for support so that you can move forward and have a fulfilling experience that is both meaningful to you and your loved one.

Fear of tough or uncomfortable conversations

A common fear that stops many families in their tracks.

Uncomfortable conversations are only uncomfortable until you get them started and gain momentum. It is fear itself that stops us from getting to know what our loved ones want in their final years, how they want to be remembered, what is important to them, and where they house their important documents that could be helpful once they pass. It is a common misconception to avoid discussing these topics, in hopes they will never arise in your experience. Knowing they almost always will, allows you to be informed and ready when the time arises. There are resources available to facilitate this conversation if you do not feel equipped to begin or maintain it.

Fear of a bad or negative experience (or one from your past, repeating itself)

If you have had a negative experience in your past or know of someone who has, it will be more difficult (but entirely possible) to reframe your perspective into a more positive one, allowing you to give the Senior Living/Care world more of a blank slate. There have been many progressions in both the care provided and the options available for people that was not available in the past. Stay open to learning and being connected to those that can help you navigate this journey with a bit more ease. Like most all areas of your life, this landscape has evolved and grown to meet the new standards of our aging population.

Fear of losing someone you love

Let those you love; know you love them today.

It is inevitable that you will and likely have already, lost someone you love. The greatest gift we can give one another is allowing each other’s legacy to live on in the most honorable way possible. You can play a huge part in the success of that gift, by communicating with them now, regardless of their age or health condition. There are even resources available to support and facilitate this type of conversation should you find yourself unsure of where to begin or how to navigate.

Need help? Don’t know where to start? Connect with a local Senior.One Care Advisor today! Whether you are comparing senior living options, coordinating extra help in the home, considering adult day care, or getting ready to downsize, we've got you covered!