It can be difficult to watch your elderly mom or dad get to the point where they can no longer live independently. They may be struggling with physical limitations like a stroke or an emotional challenge like severe grief. Sometimes the effects of old age limit driving or their ability to manage their house or finances. When you step in to take care of them, you are taking on the role of a family caregiver.
Being a family caregiver is very rewarding, but also very stressful. One of the ways you can make sure to keep stress at bay is to hire a home care provider to share the responsibilities.
Why Do Family Caregivers Get Stressed?
It’s very common for family caregivers to experience stress, because caring for a grown adult is extremely time-consuming. Many seniors require help with the most basic of tasks, such as bathing or showering and getting dressed. It’s common for elderly adults to need in-home help with meal preparation, laundry, and housekeeping, too. No matter what your elderly parent needs, you are doing a wonderful thing by being there and helping.
However, any time you spend helping your aging mom or dad takes you from your other responsibilities. Without a good balance, your attention to your job, your spouse, your children or your personal time will be limited. If your elderly parent requires nearly full-time care, you could really be stuck with too many responsibilities and not enough help. People who are stressed over a long period of time can experience negative health issues, including indigestion, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
Home Care Providers Can Help.
When your aging mom or dad reaches the point where they need part-time or full-time assistance, it’s time to take a realistic look at what their needs are and how they can be met. Talk to their doctor about recommendations for care, meet with siblings and other family members and see who can contribute caregiving. Then, look at hiring a home care provider to cover the rest.
Home care providers are companies that employ professional senior care assistants. The company should be licensed and certified according to your state’ requirements. The professional home care providers take care of things that your aging parent cannot do on their own. These providers can assist with hygiene and grooming, prepare meals, drive them to appointments or shopping, and just be a companion as needed. When you aren’t able to be there for your elderly parents, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that they are well-cared for.
It’s hard to fit everything into a day when you have so many people to care for and so many responsibilities to meet. However, hiring a home care provider can significantly reduce your stress and provide your aging mom or dad with the kind of care they deserve as they face the challenges of their senior years.
If you or an aging loved one needs home care in Elk Grove, CA, remember Senior Home Care Services. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.
Source:
https://www.webmd.com/women/caregiver-recognizing-burnout
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