How to Deal with Feeling Unappreciated as a Family Caregiver

By Geralyn DiGiovanni, Manager, Client Services | October 27, 2016 |

Caregiver in Ossining NY

Feeling that your efforts as a family caregiver are going unappreciated is a terrible way to feel. Your first step is to acknowledge that you may not be able to change how other people treat you. Beyond that, there are some concrete steps you can take.

Give Yourself a Pat on the Back

When you’re not getting the level of appreciation from others that you really need, you may need to pat yourself on the back. This can be as simple as congratulating yourself silently for finishing a difficult task or as showy as sending yourself flowers. If there’s something simple that you can do for yourself to remind you that you’re doing a great job, go ahead and do it. Waiting around for other people to acknowledge that you’re awesome can take a really long time.

Keep a Journal of Your Accomplishments

Sometimes when you’re not feeling appreciated for what you do, you might decide that’s because you’re not actually doing much of anything that is worthwhile. If that’s where you are at the moment, there’s a simple fix. Start keeping a journal of your accomplishments as they happen. You can define accomplishments however you want, but the key is to write down all of your acts that are worth appreciation. Then you can look back later and realize just how much you do.

Join a Support Group

Your other family members may not truly appreciate all that you do for your elderly loved one but a support group made up of other family caregivers know intimately what rabbits you pull out of hats on a daily basis. Find a support group that you can join. You’ll learn a lot but you’ll also develop a social support network that will come in handy. Don’t forget that online support groups can be just as helpful.

Let Your Other Family Members Know How You Feel

It’s entirely possible that your other family members don’t understand that you’re feeling unappreciated. If you think that it can make a difference, let them know that you’d appreciate a “thank you” now and again or a kind word about how you’re doing. It’s entirely up to them whether they follow through or not, of course, but at least you’ve let them know how you feel.

Ultimately, you may have to be your own best cheerleader. Your self-care plan needs to account for building your self-esteem as much as you can.

If you or an aging loved one are looking for caregiver services in Ossining, NY, call the friendly staff at The Perfect Home Care at (855) 855-5728. Call today!

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Geralyn DiGiovanni, Manager, Client Services

Manager, Client Services at The Perfect Home Care

Geralyn DiGiovanni has been marketing director of The Perfect Home Care since July, 2013. She’s responsible for promoting the agency by identifying and reaching out to market segments that align with the services offered by The Perfect Home Care. Among others, she works closely with geriatric care managers, elder care attorneys, and assisted living facilities. Her industry-specific experience includes multiple stints as a companion aide for seniors. She also has extensive experience in the publishing industry, where she worked as an account manager. “I love this industry and am passionate about working with seniors,” she says.

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