Caregiver guilt was a constant struggle for Lauren while caring for her Mom.

Most of the caregivers I've spoken to have some level of guilt. For many of us, the guilt is significant. Why is this? The answer may not be surprising.

Caregivers tend to neglect their own emotional needs. Taking care of a significantly needy adult, especially if that person is our parent, can quickly suck us in. One day we're living our lives, doing all the things most working-age adults do, and then suddenly, our world is upended.

When this happens to younger working-age adults, the desire to continue living our own lives coupled with the emotional need to care for our parent is a tug-of-war that takes a toll on our mental health.

I was in my early thirties when it became evident that my Mom was having cognitive issues. In today's episode, I talk to Lauren Dykovitz, who had to navigate early adulthood and her Moms Alzheimer's at the same time.

Lauren is the author of "Life, Love & Alzheimer's". This book is about the early journey with her Mom's illness. Lauren just published her second book, "When Only Love Remains", this past month.

We discuss her caregiving journey, how we both had lots of guilt and how to get past that feeling.

Related Episodes:

Caregiver Confessions (with IWB Podcast)

Talking with Psychology in Seattle Podcast

Transcript

 

SURVEY!! Share Your Opinion & Get A Chance at the Gift Basket

NeuroReserve - Helping Our Brainspan Match our Lifespan

NeuroReserve - Helping Our Brainspan Match our Lifespan

Be sure to check out our website for more resources, partners, recipes, and more.  www.fadingmemoriespodcast.com

Join Fading Memories On Social Media!

If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers!  You'll find us on social media at the following links.

Facebook    Instagram    Twitter

Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

There you can see me in "action" and watch the bonus videos I share.

Want to learn from Jennifer in person (or virtually)? Wherever you'd like a training session, Jen is available. Contact her at [email protected]