Working in the senior care industry is challenging. Not only do you have to be knowledgeable about the services provided and their benefits, but you also have to be aware of the many risks associated with the job. Working with frail, elderly, or special needs clients can be taxing on your emotions, especially if you’ve been caring for them for years. You feel a sense of guilt for putting them in the hands of strangers who might not be able to provide the same level of quality care that you can.The guilt associated with this kind of decision-making can creep up on you at inopportune moments and be difficult to shake off. Here are some ways you can deal with that guilt so it doesn’t hinder you from continuing to provide top-notch care to your clients:
Communicate with loved ones about what you do and why
As cliché as it sounds, communication is key to any relationship, especially when it comes to discussing your role as a caregiver. You need to be transparent about the services you provide and the risks associated with them so your loved ones understand why you do what you do. This can be difficult to do if you’re still struggling with feelings of guilt, but you’ll have to find a way because keeping those feelings to yourself will only cause more damage.Start by discussing the risks associated with your job with your siblings or parents so they don’t have to worry about you being afraid of losing your license or losing your clients prematurely. This is especially important if you work in an agency and have little control over who your clients are and how long you’ll be working with them. If you work directly for a client, you can always switch to a different position if you’re worried about the long-term implications of your job.
Find ways to express your feelings
Feeling guilty about your job won’t go away overnight, but it will eventually subside if you find ways to express your feelings. You might not be able to put your emotions into words, but finding other ways to deal with them will make you feel better in the long run. Exercising, journaling, and meditating are all great ways to process your emotions and let go of the guilt you feel.Exercising can help you clear your head and let go of any pent-up emotions you may be feeling. Journaling can be a great way to process your emotions, especially if you write about your feelings from the past week and the effect they’ve had on your current state of mind. Meditation is another great way to let go of your emotions. You can do this by closing your eyes and visualizing a colour that represents your emotions. The colour may change as you go through different feelings, but that’s not a bad thing. Each colour has a meaning, and it’s up to you to interpret those meanings to understand what’s going on in your life.
Find a mentor
If you feel your guilt is affecting your ability to provide quality care to your clients, it’s time to find a mentor. Speaking to someone who has been in your shoes and understands the stresses associated with the job will give you an outlet to let off some steam, as well as a fresh perspective on the situation.Finding a mentor won’t be easy, but it’s a necessary step if you want to continue providing quality care to your clients. Talk to friends and family members, but make sure they aren’t expecting you to drop your guilt. If you find the right mentor, you’ll be able to let off some steam and move forward with your job without feeling guilty about the way you’re treating your clients.
Find ways to give back to the community
Working in the senior care industry can be a thankless job. Not only do you have to put your own needs on the back burner, but you also have to provide for your family. Finding ways to give back to your community will not only provide a much-needed distraction from the stresses of the job, but it will also allow you to help others while providing a much-needed service to your community.Find ways to give back to your community by volunteering at local retirement homes, nursing homes, or hospitals. You can also donate your time and resources to charitable organizations that help people in need. If you aren’t in a position to give your time, you can always donate your money to organizations that are working to improve the lives of people in your community.