Navigating caregiver guilt

I was recently honoured to be invited by Being Patient Voices to write a Voices essay, and I jumped at the chance to share my story.

I wrote about the many layers of guilt that come with caring for a parent with dementia — the guilt that seeps into everyday life and sits beside love, exhaustion, and responsibility. I describe one rainy afternoon sitting in my car outside my dad’s care home, weighed down by guilt for not visiting sooner, for handing over his care, and sometimes simply for not wanting to face the changes in him.

Naming that guilt — rather than burying it — has been a way to lessen its hold. I’ve learned that guilt doesn’t dissolve on its own; it needs self-compassion, honesty, and gentleness. Everyone’s situation is different, but these emotions are real and shared. My hope is that by talking about them openly, others might feel a little less alone.

There are also a few sweet photos of me and my dad included in the piece. Sharing those moments alongside the essay felt meaningful — a reminder of why this work, and these conversations, matter so much.

If you’re not familiar with Being Patient Voices, it’s a fantastic resource for learning more about dementia. They bring together neurologists and researchers, pharmaceutical and biotech innovators, caregiving experts, and — most importantly — people living with the disease.

Read my full essay here.