Being a family caregiver

Meaningful but difficult

While being able to help a loved one live a decent life often feels meaningful and rewarding, it can also be extremely demanding. When you’re close to someone with a serious illness, dependency or functional impairment, it can all feel too much at times.

How the person you help is feeling affects you as their caregiver. Being the one who helps is difficult, and it’s common to feel powerless and inadequate. Many family caregivers find that while trying to support and care for their loved one, they also have to act as a project manager getting them help, ensuring that care is in place and coordinating healthcare and other interventions. If you don’t get the support you need, you risk becoming stressed and ill yourself.

Mourning the life that could have been

When someone you care deeply about isn’t doing so well, it’s natural to feel sad. You may also mourn the life you envisioned and hoped for when you realize that it will no longer be. You may feel disheartened, tired and empty. Navigating your own emotions while wanting to be there for someone else can prove overwhelming and difficult.

Difficulty recuperating

It can be difficult to find time for the things you need for your own wellbeing, such as meaningful activities and time with others. Stress, worry and constant preparedness often impact sleep and the ability to cope with everyday commitments. It can be tough, and many caregivers risk becoming exhausted and sick themselves. Support and help from others can provide new opportunities for you and your loved one.

You too may need support

In order to cope, you too may need support, which your municipality can usually provide. Check your municipal website for information on the support available where you live. Search for “anhörigstöd” (family support) or “anhörigkonsulent” (family advisor) to find local contact details. Many patient and family associations, as well as some faith communities, also offer support for caregivers.

Sometimes, you may be able to talk to a family advisor, counsellor or psychologist. Information, advice and technical aids can often make a big difference in everyday life. Many people also find it helpful to meet others in similar situations. It can prove helpful to share what you’re going through and to understand that you’re not alone. Support groups are one such place where you can meet others in similar circumstances.

Being a caregiver can also be rewarding

While being a caregiver for a loved one suffering from ill health or a functional impairment can be difficult, there are also many positive sides. As a caregiver, you can feel a sense of purpose, wellbeing and togetherness. The opportunity to be involved in someone else’s life can offer new insights. You might discover that you’re more capable than you first thought possible while also becoming more aware of your own limitations.

You have the right to decide how much support you want to give

As a relative, you may feel great responsibility, but a relative’s help is always voluntary. You have the right to decide whether and how much you want to support. This is addressed in Sweden’s first national strategy for family caregivers, which was established in 2022. Although the freedom to choose may sometimes feel limited in practice, you’re under no legal obligation to provide help and support to another adult.

Reviewed by: Pernilla Omerov, researcher and facilitator, and Ingrid Lindholm, practitioner and facilitator, Swedish Family Care Competence Centre (NKA).

Last edited 2024-06-25