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Visory Health Caregiver Series: Caregiver Feelings of Guilt

Happy New Year to our Visory Health Caregiver Community!

A new year, a new you! Each new year is filled with new possibilities and opportunities. Along with the excitement and optimism caregivers feel going into the new year, some caregivers may be struggling with caregiver guilt, despite their best efforts to deal with those feelings.

As you begin the new year as a caregiver, you may be taking an account of your current caregiver situation and wonder why you are experiencing feelings of caregiver guilt.

In this blog, we will discuss the feelings of caregiver guilt, to understand why some caregivers feel this way, and practical steps we can take to help lessen those feelings toward a healthy and happy new year.

What is Caregiver Guilt?

Caregiver guilt is the emotional impact caregivers feel related to their care and loved one. This guilt can cause the caregiver an extra burden of increased stress.

Some signs of increased caregiver stress may include:

Sleep disruptions: sleeping too much or not enough. A good night’s sleep is important for caregivers and stressors including guilt can prevent a healthy rest.
Feeling sad or down and losing interest in activities you previously enjoyed
Eating too much or too little: gaining weight or losing weight
Not caring for yourself through regular medical check-ups; consistently taking your medications; and eating healthy foods
Feeling anxious or on edge
Loss of control or easily angered

Why Do Caregivers Experience Feelings of Guilt?

The reasons for caregiver guilt are varied and personal. These feelings may be a normal reaction in a difficult situation. As we care for our loved ones, some factors that contribute to caregiver guilt may include:

Fear of judgment: I’m not doing enough or not doing it well and other family members, medical providers, and friends will judge my caregiving
Unrealistic expectations for care: You can do it all without help. But when you need help, you feel guilty for asking
Caregiver time commitment and need for self-care: feeling guilty when you take time for yourself, even though it is important for caregivers to practice self-care.
Caregiver tasks and responsibilities have increased over time leading to feelings of frustration and guilt
Strong sense of caregiver obligation above all else: feeling guilty if you take any time away from caregiving
The placement of boundaries and feeling guilty after doing so. While setting boundaries with agingparents or relatives can lead to feelings of guilt, it is an important step to take as a caregiver.
Expressed feelings of anger regarding caregiving, leading to feelings of regret and guilt
Considering nursing home care or actual nursing home placement of your loved one. This guilt is often accompanied by remorse or self-blame.

Practical Steps to Overcome Caregiver Guilt

There are many reasons a caregiver may have feelings of guilt. A caregiver can take the following practical steps to combat feelings of guilt:

Evaluate your current caregiver situation
Acknowledge your feelings of guilt: do not wait until you feel overwhelmed, or your health is in jeopardy before addressing your feelings of guilt
Explore and identify possible reason/s for your guilt
Talk to your loved one about your feelings of guilt and possible reasons for those feelings: authentic and honest discussions contribute to a greater understanding between caregiver and loved one
Seek support and help from family and friends. If your loved one requires more care, you may need help with other tasks like housekeeping and meal preparation
Join a support group with those who understand caregiver feelings and concerns
Consider respite support/care to allow time away from caregiver responsibilities
Maintain your physical and mental health through taking time for self-care, proper nutrition, exercise, sleep, and regular medical care
Talk to a healthcare professional if your guilt is persistent and stress is negatively affecting your health and well-being

At Visory Health, We See You and We Hear You!

As we celebrate the New Year with our Caregiver Community, we understand the burdens that guilt and stress place on our caregivers. Take practical steps to identify and address caregiver guilt, decrease your daily stress, optimize self-care and your health through medical check-ups, and by taking your prescription medications.

Access to affordable medications is easier than ever in 2025 by using the Visory Health Discount Prescription Card.

Stay Healthy, Stay Visory Health!

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To Your Health,

Dr. Creamer

DNP, MSN, MSS, MA

","disclaimer":"

This article is not medical advice. It is intended for general informational or educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, diagnosis or treatment. If you think you have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911.

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