When your parents begin to get older, it can take you by surprise. Even though aging is the natural course that every human being takes, your own parents becoming older and less capable still hits hard. After all, we always view our parents as highly capable people who look after those around them, not as vulnerable older people who need help with most aspects of their lives. Nevertheless, these times inevitably arrive, and when they do, there are so many things that need to be considered. If your parents are reaching an age where they might need daily help, this blog will guide you through your options and the emotional side effects that come with them.
- At-home care
Many older people are very reluctant to move out of their homes, even if they can no longer look after themselves autonomously any more. When this happens, there is the option for your parents to remain at home, and have an at-home carer visit each day. These carers are usually qualified nurses who can administer medications, as well as keeping their patients company, helping them to move around, helping their hygiene and providing meals too. There are many options for the best home care nurses and companies in all areas of the US, so research home care in your area today if this sounds like the best option for you.
Emotionally, your parents might find the idea of a stranger in their home to be frightening or disorienting. This is totally normal. To help with this, you could be present for the first few days that a new carer visits, to help your parents get to know the person and ease them into the transition.
- Hospice care
Hospice care involves your parent, or parents, moving out of their home and into a facility which gives them twenty four hour care. This is best suited to those with degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, or with extremely low mobility. This can be an extremely emotional time for everyone, involving selling the family home, moving locations and seeing new faces every day. However, hospice care can be an amazing solution for elderly people who want their freedom but still need daily help. Plus, the facilities are usually well-designed to accommodate those with mobility issues and those who become easily confused too. The nurses are well trained to be kind, considerate and caring.
- Caring for your parents yourself.
A lot of people choose this option because it keeps their parents close to them in their most vulnerable times. This would involve your parents moving into or near to your family home, and you or your spouse becoming their primary carer. This is a huge responsibility to take on which has a toll on the whole family. If you choose this option, you are doing a wonderful thing – just make sure that mentally, emotionally and physically, you are prepared for the shift.
To conclude: it’s rough when your parents get older. Nobody is fully prepared for this, even if we know in our hearts that it will happen. Make sure you choose the option that is right for your whole family, even if it is a hard choice.
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