How to Deal with Loneliness as a Family Caregiver

By Marlene Diaz | December 8, 2016 |

Home Care Services Bellevue WA

Being a family caregiver can take a toll on your own life. Since you’re so wrapped up in caring for your elderly loved one, your own social life and outside activities can take a hit. When you start to realize that you’re feeling lonely and isolated, it’s time to find a solution that can work for your life.

Get Involved in Something Else Besides Caregiving

When you first took over as your loved one’s family caregiver, you probably had other interests which gradually fell by the wayside. Eventually, caregiving likely became your only hobby and that can lead to isolation and loneliness. Try to think back to what you used to enjoy doing and where you used to go. You may still be able to pick up some of those hobbies and interests.

Take Respite Time

All too often, caregivers aren’t taking respite time. They’re locked into the notion that they’re the only person who can really care for their elderly loved one. That’s not entirely the case and it’s a belief that can lead to some significant loneliness. Find ways to take respite time, whether that means hiring senior home care services providers or finding a friend or family member who can take over for you.

Talk to Family Members

While you’re asking your family members to pitch in more often, let them know that you’re feeling lonely. They may not realize that they’re not touching base as often as they used to or that they only see you for special occasions. Sometimes other people need a bit of a reminder that they can reach out, too.

Look for Community Resources

If you’re not already a member of a support group, now is the perfect time for you to join one. Local support groups help you to meet people face-to-face who are dealing with some of the same situations you’re dealing with. Online support groups can help, too, because you’re able to feel less alone. Touch base with senior organizations in your community to find out what other resources are available for caregivers and take advantage of them as often as you can.

Give yourself the time and the space that you need in order to solve your issues with loneliness.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Bellevue WA, contact the caring staff at Hospitality Home Care today. Call us at (206) 966-6552.

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Marlene Diaz

Care Supervisor at Hospitality Home Care

Marlene brings to Hospitality Home Care's Care Supervisor Team an unprecedented level of passion for caring for others and a wealth of knowledge and understanding in the care services field. Marlene has worked in the healthcare field for more than 15 years in a variety of settings including, adult family home administration, home care HR supervising and working with specialty populations including dementia, mental health and developmental disabilities. Throughout this time Marlene has also maintained her caregiver credentials that she obtained as a teenager because, while her knowledge is best served helping to train caregivers and assist families to get the care they need, her heart is most fulfilled when she is providing care to others. When she is not in the office, you will most likely find Marlene caring for her family, or spending time with her friends.