If you were raised by loving, caring, and attentive parents you will most likely be filled with gratitude as an adult and would want to repay them back once they reach their senior years. This type of repayment isn’t necessarily financial, but repayment using your time, attention, and care. Many adult children will find themselves switching roles with their parents where the adult child is now taking care of the elderly parent while the elderly parent relies on their child. The switching of roles may come easy for some adult children, but for others, it may be just too much to handle. Here are some signs that you should seek outside help with the care of your senior aged parent:
- Putting a strain on your finances.
Whether you are employed by a company or own your own business, if your finances are being negatively affected due to your new caregiving responsibility then it’s time to reevaluate. If you are showing up to work late, calling out, or not doing the work, it is just a matter of time that your income will plummet, and should that happen who will help you out? Don’t wait until the last minute to seek outside help.
- You are feeling overwhelmed.
Being your elderly parent’s sole caregiver is no easy task. You will be responsible for taking them to doctor appointments, giving them their medications properly and on time, preparing their meals based on their likes and diet, helping them get around if they have issues with mobility, giving them baths, assisting them with toileting, dressing them, ensuring they are safe, and being their companion so they don’t feel lonely. If that sounds like a lot of work to you, that’s because it is. Before you become your elderly parent’s caregiver, think twice before jumping in. If you are currently their caregiver and you are physically drained or your mental health has been impacted such as anxiety or depression, then it would be in your best interest to hire a professional caregiver as soon as possible.
- You have no experience whatsoever.
While volunteering to be your elderly parent’s caregiver is a loving and noble deed, it may not always be the safest. If your elderly parent has medical issues that require proper training and experience you may be putting your elderly parent’s health at risk. If your aging parent has a medical condition, such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, or respiratory disease, will you know how to properly care for them? You have to keep in mind that these are serious medical conditions that can’t be taken lightly and missing medication or giving too much medication is life-threatening. Is your elderly parent’s health getting worst since you’ve taken on the responsibility of being their caregiver? If you answered “yes”, then for your own parent’s sake hire someone that knows what they are doing. Leave the caregiving responsibility to an individual who has the proper education, training, and hands-on experience to give your elderly parent the care they need and deserve.
- It’s affecting your family life.
Yes, your elderly parent is part of your family, but what about your other family members – your spouse and children? Being your aging parent’s sole caregiver will take a lot of your time and attention which may negatively affect your relationship with your spouse and your obligation to your own kids. Is there an emotional disconnection between you and your spouse? Are there fewer date nights? Are your own kids complaining that you aren’t spending time with them? When was the last time you spent quality time with your children? You shouldn’t neglect your spouse and kids to care for your parent, it’s not fair to anyone and the longer the neglect goes the longer it will take to repair the damage. If you are determined to care for your elderly parent but want to maintain the happiness of your own family, then hire a professional caregiver to come in 2-3 days a week so you have the free time to spend with your spouse and kids.
- You are starting to dislike your elderly parent.
You love your parent, if you didn’t you wouldn’t take on the responsibility of being their caregiver. In the beginning, you probably were probably filled with mixed feelings such as fear, uncertainty, loyalty, and feelings of responsibility as an adult child, but as the weeks passed you’ve experienced the highs and lows of caregiving. If your elderly parent is demanding or requires constant attention due to their health, you may become regretful and upset with your decision. Your social life and professional life will definitely be affected. While you see all the fun photos your friends post on social media or your ex-coworkers sharing their career achievements online, you will be at home, caring for your parent filled with jealousy and remorse. If you are starting to dislike your aging parent, please understand that you are not forced to care for them. Instead of letting emotions build-up, remove yourself from the caregiving responsibility and hire a caregiver.
If you are searching for a caring, trustworthy, professional senior home care agency in the Northern Virginia area, please contact Safe and Secure Transition Home Care at 703-539-0411 or Click the Image Below:
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