It’s natural to want to take care of those who have taken care of us—those who have nurtured us, fed us, loved us, and provided so many things to bring us to adulthood. While we want to show our gratitude and respect for our deserving elders by providing care for them in their time of need, this isn’t always possible. The decision to provide long-term home care for a senior loved one needs to be based on facts rather than emotions. It’s important to determine what’s best not only for your loved one but also for you and those in your household who depend on you.
Determine the Level of Care Based on Needs
When you’re considering caring for your loved one, it’s imperative to take stock of what he or she truly needs. Does your loved one need help with household chores, running errands, and transportation or assistance with medication management, bathing, and other personal care activities? While some seniors may only need minimal assistance, others may need around-the-clock monitoring for stroke recovery, advanced illness, or dementia. Determining current and possible future needs is probably the most important factor when making a care decision.
Altamonte Springs senior home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
Consider the Financial Resources Available
Many people don’t like to talk about finances. However, it’s imperative that you examine the resources available for your parent’s care. Does your loved one have long-term care insurance that will cover a substantial portion of care or the resources to pay for his or her own care? Also, are you in a position to provide for your loved one’s care financially? Even the most devoted and loving families may not be able to financially support their loved ones.
Evaluate Your Emotional Capacity
Do you have the support systems in place to be a full-time caregiver? While caregiving can be a rewarding experience, it can also be stressful and overwhelming. If you have multiple roles as a spouse, parent, and employee, you may not be able to handle the stress of another full-time job. It’s important to evaluate your emotional capacity and how caregiving will impact your health. A caregiver who isn’t healthy won’t be able to provide the optimal and necessary level of care for an aging loved one.
Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Windermere families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Prestige Home Care. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation.
Consider In-Home Care
You may be able to help your loved one with routine tasks or provide transportation to doctor’s appointments or social events, but it can be challenging to help when your loved one requires more of your time. Your loved one may also need a more specialized type of care than you’re able to provide. With in-home care, you can get the additional help you need to ensure your loved one remains safe and comfortable while aging in place.
If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality home care, Prestige Home Care can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age. For more information about our flexible, customizable home care plans, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (407) 232-7155.