Don’t fall into these 3 caregiving misconceptions

By Lisa M. Petsche

Caring for a chronically ill or frail senior relative can offer many rewards, but it also involves physical, psychological, and emotional demands. Stress can be further compounded by certain thoughts and belief systems. Read on for 3 common misconceptions and unhealthy behaviors among caregivers you should watch out for.

Caregivers can fall into misconceptions in both thinking and behavior.

Faulty thinking:

• You can and should do all the caregiving alone.
• No one else can take good care of your relative.

Maladaptive behavior:

• Devoting all of your time and energy to the caregiving role.
• Promising the care receiver or their family that you will never place the relative in long-term care.
• Withholding information from other family members about your relative’s condition and needs.

Read about healthy ways to cope instead in our winter issue (p. 49).