According to research, one of four caregivers live with a disabled or elderly relative that he/she cares for. While this arrangement has its benefits, it can potentially end up increasing expenses and causing heartache, stress, and fatigue; especially if your residence has to undergo some remodeling to accommodate your loved one(s). With that being said, here are some questions you should consider when thinking of becoming an in-home caregiver:
1. What sort of care is needed?
It is vital to consider your loved one’s physical and mental condition, and the illnesses he/she may have before moving him or her in with your family. If your aging loved one or parent is still relatively independent and healthy, having them move in with your family could serve as the care that they need. Care from you and the rest of your family is always a great approach to situations like these because family is home, and home is where the heart is. At the same time, this could create an opportunity for your children to get to bond with their grandparents or relative. Moving your parent(s) out of your home will usually be necessary when there’s some serious health crisis or condition facilitating a transition. If that’s the case, caring for a loved one in such a situation will require that you and your family be ready and willing to deal with their chronic illness, which is likely to get worse with time and will eventually demand round-the-clock care. It is essential that you consider your loved one’s future care needs to see if moving them into a continuing-care retirement or assisted living community would be best for them.
2. What’s the reality of the supervision and personal assistance you can provide?
A lot of families want or are obligated to bring their elderly and disabled loved ones into their homes when their health starts declining. Caring for aging relatives is one of the best ways to give back some of the love, nurturing and care they gave you as a child. However, reversing roles can be very challenging to everybody involved; not just you, but also your family members or parents as they may not be comfortable caring for them or are not willing to bear the burden of doing so. Consider the following factors to see if having a loved one move in with you is a good idea:
– Be realistic Consider seeking advice from loved one’s doctor about their needs and consider if you will be able to provide the level of assistance they need. Remember that the care and support they need will probably increase as time goes by.
– Think about your schedule. Do you work? Do you have children? It is vital that you take the time to consider if you have or can make time to watch a person in need of assistance. If your loved one needs assistance using the bathroom at night, are you ready to suffer sleep deprivation? Is there somebody who can help? Do you have the energy and time to take up the task? All of these are questions that you will need to answer before making any decision.
– Know your limits. Does your loved one need assistance to perform daily living activities or ADLs like dressing and bathing? If so, are you or your loved ones comfortable with you performing these duties and being their caregiver? If you are not always available to care for your loved one and don’t want them living in a care facility, then you will be glad to know that you can hire in-home nurses or aides to help in such instances.
3. How is your relationship?
How well do you get along with your relative? It is vital that you consider the history of your relationship to see if you can live with them under the same roof, let alone caring for their needs. While disagreements are normal, it is vital that you consider the quality of life both you and your relative will enjoy when living together. If there’s no conflict or can move past conflicts easily and think that living together could strengthen the bond between you and them without sacrificing your sanity or theirs in the process, then this arrangement would work. However, if you have never gotten along, then living with them and putting both you and them in a potentially high-stress situation is not a very good idea. Even if you are compelled to care for them, it is vital that you be realistic and consider if both of you can live in peace and harmony. Growing old is a part of life and is often not easy. Most seniors feel like they’ve become a burden, so it is important that you do your best to treat them with love and kindness. Should Your Aging Parent Move In With Your Family is a good question to ask because you want to care for your parents as best as possible.
Author’s Bio:
Since her childhood days, Angela has already admired those people who give primary care to the oldies. Because of her passion towards elders, she decided to take Physical Therapy in college which specializes rehabilitation for the elders. During her free time, she writes in her journal about the different moments she had with the elders that she loves most.