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Elder care has become a problem for many middle-aged Americans. With their parents living longer even with health issues, it’s common for their children to feel obligated to care for them. A few decades back it was normal for a family of three or more generations to live together; however, that was back before most women worked outside the home and prior to life becoming as hectic as it is today. It’s understandable why their children feel that they owe something to the very people who did so much for them, but there are times when these children need to realize that it’s more of a responsibility than they can reasonably handle. If you are in this boat, you need to recognize just when enough is enough:
1. Do you worry about your parent being alone while you are working? If somehow they just aren’t as capable as they once were, there’s nothing shameful about admitting that you need help from a professional caregiver. These people, who often work on a sliding fee scale, can take the burden of daily personal care, housekeeping, cooking, shopping, and other duties off of you allowing you to spend the free time you do have in more pleasant activities with your parent.
2. Does your parent need more skilled nursing assistance than you feel qualified to give? Some home caregivers are actually registered nurses who will be able to administer medications and otherwise care for your parent’s health needs. Home care allows your loved one to remain in their own home and helps them avoid the high costs of living in a care facility.
3. Is caring for your parent keeping you from living your own life? Is it affecting your marriage or detracting from time you could be spending with your children? You know that your parent doesn’t want you to give up your own life caring for them. Instead find a caregiver who will provide the companionship that you just don’t have time for. Otherwise you’ll end up feeling guilty that you aren’t meeting the needs of any of your family members and become frustrated and burnt out.
4. Has your parent been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s? If so, much as you might want to help, your best recourse is to hire a caregiver who is trained to care for Alzheimer’s patients. Unless you know what you’re doing, you’re never going to be able to maintain your own health and well-being if you try to care for an Alzheimer’s patient on your own.
5. Do you live too far from your parent to give them the care they need? If so, the best option is to hire a caregiver who can do the things you are unable to do. Make sure to interview the candidate thoroughly and check out references before hiring them to care for your loved on. A home caregiver working in your parent’s own home is much preferred and less expensive than either nursing care or assisted living.
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Source by Kristie Brown
