Adjusting to Life with An Aging Loved One
We know growing older is a part of life, and we know there will come the point when our aging loved ones need additional support and care to continue living independently. Seeing our loved ones face challenges with age is difficult for many of us, especially our parents. For so many years, our parents have played an authoritative role in our lives. They are the people who care for us and guide us. Suddenly, they need us to care for them, and it is natural for that role reversal to need an adjustment period.
If you’re entering the point in your life where you’re providing care to an aging loved one, know you’re not alone. Everyone experiences the transition differently, but here are some tips for adjusting to life with an aging loved one.
Have Open and Honest Conversations
If you start to notice a loved one having difficulty doing household tasks or caring for themselves, start a conversation with them about how they’re feeling. Tell them what you’ve observed and ask them if they feel safe and comfortable with their living situation. Depending on your relationship with your loved one and their personality, they may be receptive of help, or they may deny challenges. Either way, keep the conversations going and continue to ask questions and offer assistance. The more you can openly and honestly talk about what your loved one is experiencing, the easier it’ll be to understand the level of aid they need.
Expect and Accept Change
The aging process doesn’t stop, and your loved one will continue to grow through changes. Expect changes in their abilities, both physically and mentally. Accept those changes and adapt to their needs. It’s essential to remember, what may work one day may not work the next. Be receptive to your loved one’s needs and wants and do your best to accommodate them.
Explore Different Care Options
Some people think the only option for an aging loved one who may experience challenges in the home is an assisted living facility. While moving your loved one to a nursing home or care center may be the right choice, it’s not the only option.
Talk to your loved ones about the assistance they need and discuss different care options with them. In addition to assisted living communities, at-home caregivers can help your loved one with various non-medical tasks, making it safer to continue living in their home. It may even make sense for you to act as the primary caregiver, especially if your loved one needs limited assistance. Whatever you decide, make your loved one a part of ensuring their comfort with their care option.
Ask For Help
If you have recently transitioned into the role of primary caregiver for a family member, know that you don’t have to take on the responsibility alone. As a family caregiver, you’re likely caring for a loved one while also tending to your career, family, and personal life. All these roles can make life feel like a juggling act, but don’t be afraid to ask for help when you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
If you have other relatives who can split the responsibilities with you, talk to them about setting up a care schedule. This schedule will divide the tasks and make sure each of you can contribute without any one person taking on too much. If you don’t have help within the family, consider hiring a professional caregiver from an agency like Visiting Angels Gadsden. Fulltime and part-time caregiving options are available, and respite care for times you need temporary assistance.
How Visiting Angels Can Help
Caring for an aging loved one takes a lot of work. If you feel overwhelmed or need time for yourself, the team at Visiting Angels Gadsden is happy to step in and help. Our team of caregivers can assist with light housekeeping, transportation, meal preparations, medication reminders, personal grooming, toileting, and more. Our Gadsden office serves those in the Blount, Marshall, and Etowah counties. To learn more about our services, you can complete this online form or call us at 256-507-0083.