Kim James 
Not wanting to care for your elderly parent can be for many reasons. As your loved one goes through various life changes, their needs and behavior can also change. It is normal to be unsure of whether you can be able to take care of them. It mostly happens when you have too much already on your plate. When you cannot take care of them, you may feel guilty, and this burden can be hard on you. The following are ways of overcoming the guilt of not wanting to take care of your aged parent.
Get Outside Help
There is no shame in taking your elderly parent to a residential care facility. Aged care facilities in Melbourne are the best places where older adults receive the best care. Have a financial plan to ensure you get the best facility for them. Most importantly, please include them in the decision when choosing the facility. If you don’t want your parent to live away from home, you may consider in-home caregiving, where you hire a caregiver to look after them in the comfort of their home. Ensure the caregiver is experienced, trained, and provides the best company.
Ask Others to Help
If other family members can take care of your loved one, ask them to chip in. someone might be in a better position than you to look after your aged parent. However, don’t leave all the responsibilities to another person. It will be good to share them, like paying bills, buying food or medication. Additionally, spend time with them as often as you can.
Focus on What You Can Do
Sometimes you may feel guilty for not affording some things or the best care for your elderly one. However, the best way to care for them and not feel guilty is to focus on things you can do rather than what you cannot. You cannot do everything, especially if you are not receiving help from your family. Even if your parent’s needs can be demanding, you will only feel contented if you focus on what you can do for them. So, do your best and leave the rest. Remember, you aim to keep them safe and feel loved.
Find a Support Group
Not wanting to look after your elderly loved one does not mean you are selfish. However, you will not know this unless you have the right help. Feeling guilty is normal, and you need somewhere you can express yourself. You ought to surround yourself with people who understand you and your reasons. Therefore, a support group can give you the friendship and encouragement you need to overcome the guilt feeling.
Overcoming the Guilty Feeling
Sometimes your loved one may make you feel unsatisfied, and they might even say it. You feel guilty when you know you are doing your best. Don’t take this personally. You need to understand them and the changes they are going through. Offer the best and communicate with them. It is a good way of dismissing guilt. Most importantly, don’t forget to take care of yourself.
