Providing care for an elderly parent poses several challenges if he or she is cognitively or physically impaired. Taking on the responsibility of caring for two parents dramatically increases the challenge. However, analyzing the situation and planning in advance can prevent some pitfalls. Here are a few tips to help you provide high-quality care to both of your parents.
Accept Help
Burnout is a common dilemma for caregivers who shoulder the commitment alone. The likelihood of becoming emotionally and physically exhausted rises significantly when caring for two parents without help. Enlist your spouse, older children, or siblings to help with household chores, errands, and other duties. Family members who live too far to provide assistance can be encouraged to help financially if possible. Neighbours and church friends may be willing to visit with your parents to provide you the chance to run errands or take some time off.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted senior home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help.
Delegate Duties
Create a plan in advance and make it as detailed as possible so all helpers involved clearly understand their duties. Allow for flexibility when needed. Incorporate daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Perhaps one family member is able to pay the monthly bills or perform weekly grocery shopping. Assign older children household chores at home or at their grandparents’ residence if the elderly couple lives independently. Decide if another sibling will stay with one parent while you accompany the other parent to healthcare appointments. Don’t be afraid to set limitations to prevent becoming overwhelmed. The schedule must also include a plan for free time for you to regenerate, unwind, and relax.
Caring for senior loved ones can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Barrie families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.
Expect Differences in Each Parent’s Care
One parent may require care due to physical limitations or cognitive deficits, while the other may only need assistance with housekeeping duties and meal preparation. At times, both parents may request help simultaneously. However, you must prioritize which situation should be handled first.
At some point, the more capable parent may feel slighted because he or she doesn’t need as much help and receives less attention. Offer reassurance, empathy, and compassion. Perhaps arrange to enjoy quality time or a special outing with that parent. If other adult children live far away, encourage them to commit to routine phone calls or letters.
Consider Additional Care Options
In case you fall ill, have a personal emergency, or want to take a vacation, you need a backup plan. Another family member might be available, or perhaps a neighbour may be willing to step in if needed. However, professional in-home care is another option, and you should research the possibilities before an emergency strikes.
Home care providers offer flexible hours and staff members capable of managing different levels of care. Prior to having outside help, create a list of medications and emergency contact numbers. While making a delegated duty list, you can also create a separate list with information concerning the types of assistance the home care agency provides.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping older relatives age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide elderly home care. Barrie families can turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. Call us today at 647-970-3803 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.