Lesson 1: Understanding Caregiver Guilt

Caregiver guilt is the persistent feeling that you're not doing enough, not doing it right, or that you're somehow failing the person you're caring for—even when you're doing everything humanly possible.

It's that heavy weight in your chest when you:

• Take time for yourself

• Feel frustrated or resentful toward your loved one

• Consider placement options like assisted living

• Can't be available 24/7

• Experience relief when you get a break

  Here's the truth: Caregiver guilt is one of the most common emotions in caregiving, affecting nearly every family caregiver at some point. It's not a sign of weakness or lack of love—it's a sign that you care deeply and want the best for your loved one.

  Guilt often stems from unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves, societal pressure to be the "perfect" caregiver, and the gap between what we wish we could do and what's actually possible given our human limitations.