Feeling guilty. As I have posted before, I have 5 kids, 3 are young. My mom lives behind me and I have been caring on and off for her for many years. The last two have been almost constant. I am burned out and my youngest kids are struggling with all the time grandma is requiring. I finally have hired in three aides. One for an hour in the mornings to get her up and ready. One from 1-3 to help to bathroom and clean house as needed, and one at night to get her to bed. It's weekdays only. I will do weekends. This frees me up to be with my children and visit mom so we can have quality time instead of all my time with her being just to perform daily tasks. And I will still be helping in between as needed. I should be relieved but as its getting closer I am feeling so guilty about it. Am I wrong to hire in help? Am I shirking my duty? I have been feeling so resentful of her needing me all the time and how it is effecting my kids. I feel like this will give mom and I our relationship back as well. But why the guilt?
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I too, was caregiver for both my folks. When I began really struggling with the time & physical strain, I asked my mom to agree to get additional help & she was resistant. I too, struggled with guilt... & greatly relate with what you say. However, you must be intentional with your family & simultaneously, get the help you need for your mom. I surely understand your struggle, but do not feel guilty! The Lord will bless & guide you on this journey. Be sure to take care of yourself & your family. Unfortunately, doing what's best for our moms often involves getting help from outside sources because we cannot do this alone!! Take care. Have peace about getting additional help because you are still helping your mom. His blessings to you!!
Oh how I wished my Mom would have accepted the caregivers.... fast forward one week.... she fell again and suffered brain damage. Now she has 24 hour caregivers in a rehab/nursing home to which I don't see her coming home ever again. Talk about guilt big time.
How I wished I would have dug in my heels and demanded that my Mom accept help, but she was stronger willed then I, still of clear mind, and I am just the "kid" so what do I know even though I am a senior myself :P
Many elders are in denial that they need help.... my dear Dad is one of the exceptions, he wanted the caregivers back because he knows his limitations... plus he doesn't know how to cook or do the laundry. I even asked him if he thought he needed the over-night caregiver, and he said yes as it made him feel safer at home.
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two months ago he fell and broke his femur. He had to have surgery and was put in a nursing home to start physical therapy but something went wrong with the surgery it did not hold and had to have a second surgery. The surgeon said the inside of his bones are like mush he does not know if this is going to hold. Because of his short-term memory loss he is constantly trying to get out of the bed and walk but he cannot walk he is bed ridden until he sees the doctor on October 2 to say he could start therapy Meanwhile, A family member has to be with him 24/7 to keep him in bed or were back to square one. We are waiting for the 30 day mark apply for Medicaid. The 24 seven sitting is not required but my mother is scared to death he's going to fall again. If his bones are as bad as they say he will continue to break bones and probably end up in a long-term facility There is no way the family can do 24 seven sitting if he is long-term care. does anybody have any suggestions please we are very desperate and tired. Right now we are paying some people to sit. One other question I have is what does 90 day spend down mean. Any information given is greatly appreciated
It cannot be done without help, without losing your sanity.
12 hour shifts x 3 persons when things get worse.
I was reading your post and trying to figure out the reason for your guilt. Hiring those people to help your mom sounds like a very loving and caring thing. I'm confused why this would make you feel guilty.
Are these people you have hired sufficient to care for her? I couldn't find what her condition is. Does she need round the clock care? That's the only thing I would consider. Some people due to mobility and/or dementia, can't be left alone at all, but assuming that's not the case with your mom, then I don't see the problem. You kids are only young once, I wouldn't miss time with them when someone else could help with mom's needs.
This is something we all struggle with at some point in time and it takes a certain mental will and discipline not to get caught up with feeling guilty over doing something that is showing love for our parents AND for ourselves. We simply cannot do it all and be everything to them 24/7. We are not built that way and the costs are often disastrous with loss of self, loss of marriage/relationships and the ultimate loss, death.
It didn't take me long to understand this in my own situation. It's bad enough to feel held hostage by them or others, but then worse when he hold ourselves hostage. We can get away from them, but no escaping ourselves. You need to be well and functioning on all levels for your own health, your family and parent. Not to mention others who dearly love and need you too and want you to be around. I'm learning to take those thoughts captive in Christ.
Please, please, please don't feel bad. Swat those thoughts right away! And do it often:-)
You did a very positive thing!
Unless your mother is emotionally blackmailing you, there is no reason for feeling guilty. You are very right in hiring help and that boundary might help your relationship with her.
Frankly, as a mom, your main duty is to your own children. I guess that since you don't mention a husband that must mean you are a single mom which limits your energy and time even more.
How young are your younger ones?
My wife and her sister were basically abandoned by their mother in taking care of her mother and then her aunt. On the other hand, all they experienced from her what the verbal abuse of someone with borderline personality disorder with some very strong narcissistic traits.
While your children need you, you also need to regain balance in your own life so that you can breathe. You are valuable as well. Don't sell yourself short or put yourself under the bus. When do you ever get a chance to do something just for you that you enjoy?
Take care, keep in touch.
Love, prayers and hugs