Six Reasons to Hire a Professional Senior Caregiver from Visiting Angels of Boulder County

Learn why families in Longmont, Boulder, Louisville and nearby cities in Boulder County, CO count on senior caregivers from Visiting Angels

You’re grateful for everything your parents have done for you over the years, and you’re happy to return the favor. But caring for an aging parent is entirely different from parenting children. Keep this in mind when your parents need support.

Luckily, you don’t have to manage caregiving responsibilities alone. Visiting Angels of Boulder County can help. Our home care services can help your loved one get the support they need so you can have peace of mind.

Here are six reasons to hire a professional senior caregiver:

Caregiving Has a Steep Learning Curve

Family members typically take on the caregiving role for an elderly loved one due to an unexpected health event. However, most adult children are unprepared for the role of family caregiver because the role is multi-faceted and demanding.

Consider the team of people caring for Dad: the nurse who administers his medications and the doctor who prescribes them. There’s also the janitor who cleans the floors, the server who brings his meals and the housekeeper who changes his soiled sheets. Will you truly be ready to meet these needs?

It’s unrealistic for one person to assume these responsibilities alone, which is why many family caregivers look into professional in-home care. At Visiting Angels of Boulder County, we understand it can be difficult to be the sole caregiver for a loved one, so our senior caregivers are here to help. We have the experience needed to assist your loved one with every tasks, as well as the compassion required to provide exceptional and loving care for seniors.

Role Reversal Creates Difficulties

Even if you’ve taken on caregiving responsibilities, keep in mind that your parent is still your parent. No matter how dependent Mom becomes as her dementia progresses, it’s critical to maintain your mother-daughter relationship.

When you treat your parents like children, they may push back to protect their pride, blocking your caregiving efforts. Most aging parents don’t want to be a burden. They wish their children didn’t have to help them with personal hygiene, banking or other tasks. Inverting the child-parent dynamic may not be healthy for your relationship.

At Visiting Angels of Boulder County, our senior caregivers form strong bonds with every client. Our caregivers are more than just sitters; they also provide meaningful companionship while assisting with daily activities. When you choose our agency, you’re choosing a home care agency that will treat your loved one with the respect and dignity they deserve. Best of all, you’ll be able to continue being a daughter to your parent instead of their caregiver.

You Lack Backup Support

Caring for a senior loved one can be unpredictable and often requires a team approach. What if Dad falls while you’re at work? Who will stop Mom from wandering? Many adult children have their own families. What happens when situations arise in your immediate household requiring time away? You may have to travel for work or have an unexpected illness.

Even if you’re able to manage daily responsibilities, you need a backup plan. Establishing a safety net early on is vital. Our senior caregivers can take on caregiving duties for your loved one while you take time to focus on your family, career or your own health.

There’s Little Room in Your Schedule

At some point, your loved one may require around-the-clock care. This level of care is extremely difficult to provide, especially if you have a job and family. When you choose Visiting Angels of Boulder County to be your partner in home care, you’re choosing senior caregivers who are knowledgeable, compassionate and trained to meet your specific care needs. In addition to providing hourly or short-term care to help with daily living tasks, we also offer 24-hour and long-term care if your loved one’s care needs become more advanced.

Family Dynamics Become Difficult

When family members disagree about caregiving decisions, relationships can be strained. You think Dad needs an escort to medical appointments. Your brother disagrees. Dad’s safety may be at stake. Who decides?

You may feel responsible because you’re the oldest sibling and the others aren’t doing their fair share. In some families, relationships are tense before caregiving even starts. Add stepparents, in-laws and blended families to the mix, and the question of who’s going to care for Mom can be volatile. Are you ready for the conflict?

At Visiting Angels of Boulder County, we take the stress out of in-home care by maintaining regular communication with the families we work with. Our team will provide updates on your loved one’s well-being, as well as recommendations if we notice any changes to your loved one’s situation.

You Risk Caregiver Burnout

Caregiver burnout can easily set in. Your kids and spouse miss you; you’ve sacrificed family dinners, school events, and date nights. You can’t keep up with your household chores and Mom’s chores too. You’re doing twice the work, and it’s taking its toll. You haven’t slept through the night since Mom’s stroke, and you’re making mistakes on the job.

Burnout can be dangerous for both you and your loved one. If you’re starting to feel burnt out, Visiting Angels of Boulder County can provide temporary respite care so you can take a well-deserved break.

To learn more about senior caregivers from Visiting Angels of Boulder County, contact our Longmont, CO office at 303-848-2331 to schedule a free in-home consultation.