When Your Aging Parent Needs Help—How Can You Cope?

As your parents age, you struggle with the tug-of-war between their desire to remain independent and the reality that their limitations will only increase. Beyond your concern for their safety and well-being, you also deal with the emotional stresses that some when you see that your roles will soon be reversing, especially when you look at long term care for elderly parents.

Realistically, you want to help as much as possible, but you are going to need professional help to ensure that they remain safe, active, engaged, and well cared for on a continuous basis. Companion assisted home care in Orange County for long term care for elderly parents may be just what your family needs to help find the best compromise between your parents’ wants and their needs.

How Can I Handle My Aging Parents?

The first step to supporting your parents is to be upfront with them about your concerns without being condescending to them, especially if you know they need long term care for elderly parents.

Frame the conversations in a way that show you just want to support their continued independence. You can also get a free home healthcare assessment so that you have a neutral third party offering observations and advice about what’s needed.

While you need to consider your parents first, you also need to have honest discussions with your siblings about expectations as far as financial and time contributions. You don’t want yourself or a sibling to feel like someone is shouldering a disproportionate burden. That will build resentment and lead to burnout.

Next, work with your parents to decide on their specific needs. What does a home caregiver include? It can be as simple as a few hours of help a week, or daily morning or evening routine support. You can also craft specialized plans for Alzheimer’s or dementia patients that adapt to changing conditions. If you are providing most of the care, you can still find respite in-home care services so that you can have breaks or take a needed trip.

Finally, take care of yourself. Dealing with an aging parent is mentally and emotionally draining, and can even be emotionally traumatic. You have to support your own wellness in order to be able to support theirs. Remember that BlueSea Care is here for you with quality, in-home caregivers to meet your needs. Call us and let us help support your parents in any way we can.