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Should You Become Your Aging Parent’s Caregiver?

Caregiver-in-Rancho-Cordova-CA

Caregiver in Rancho Cordova CA

Being a caregiver is not for the faint of heart. There is typically a laundry list of things that need to get done each day, including taking the elder to their doctor’s appointments, meal preparations, household chores, and personal care tasks (bathing, toileting, etc.). Although you may want to take on this big role, you need to consider whether or not you are the right person for the job.Caregiver-in-Rancho-Cordova-CA

Here are some questions to ask yourself before determining that you would like to be your loved one’s caregiver.

  • Are you aware of the physical requirements? If your loved one has mobility issues and is in a wheelchair or is bedridden, they will need someone to constantly hoist them from and to their chair or bed. Your loved one may also have other tasks that require a certain level of physical activity.
  • Do you have the time? Depending on the health of your loved one, you may be needed to care for them around-the-clock. If you have a job outside of the home or have a family of your own to take care of, this kind of time requirement may be unrealistic for you.
  • How flexible is your workplace? Just because you have a job does not mean you are unable to care for your elderly parent. It just means that it may be more challenging. Check with the HR department to find out if there are any changes that can be made to your typical work hours. For example, find out if you are able to work at home, even if it is just one day a week.
  • What do you know about their health? Older adults with health problems will require a personalized type of care. Would you be willing to learn as much as possible on the condition in order to take care of your loved one?
  • Are they showing any changes in behavior? Behavioral changes can make it more challenging to care for your elderly parent. They may become agitated, moody, or sad at the drop of the hat.
  • How is their memory? A little memory loss is perfectly normal. However, if they are forgetting the names of familiar faces or are constantly forgetting the directions to a place they have been to a hundred times, there could be a more serious health problem.

If after reading these questions you do not feel prepared to care for your loved one that is ok. Professional caregivers can be hired to take your place while you handle your daily responsibilities.

If you or an aging loved one needs caregiver services in Rancho Cordova, CA, remember Senior Home Care Services. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.

 

Source:

https://www.araglegal.com/blog/2016/02/16/10-things-to-consider-before-becoming-your-parents-caregiver/

Jay Bloodsworth
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