As your parents or other elderly loved ones get older, their needs will become increasingly challenging. While choosing a nursing home is an option, many people are electing to move their parents into their homes with the assistance of home care agencies. If you have considered all the choices and decided that moving your aging parent into your home is the best choice, you should know what changes and adjustments you can expect from the senior living situation, and how to provide the best home care for an aging parent.
Changes in Your Family Roles
While moving your parent into your home can be rewarding, tensions could arise due to the shift in family roles. For example, when your previously independent-living parent becomes increasingly dependent on you, you will have less time for yourself. You may have to spend more time as a family caregiver. Your work schedule may need to change, and the children may be required to take on additional household responsibilities.
One way to minimize these changes is by using a home care agency to assist with the overall care of your parent. Many family caregivers feel stressed due to spending more time caring for their loved ones. A professional caregiver can support you by relieving the stress of caregiving and giving you more time to spend on your other necessary activities and with your family.
Physical Alterations to Your Home
Your home needs to accommodate any health problems your elderly parent may have, such as vision or mobility challenges. One great way to start is by checking with a home care agency for a home assessment. The home care agency can examine your home and suggest modifications, such as ramps, grab bars, or even the addition of accessory dwelling units (ADUs). These modifications may be necessary to provide adequate home care for an aging parent, so make sure you fully understand what your loved ones need to be safe.
Overall Lifestyle Changes
You and your parent will likely have different lifestyles, including food preferences, sleep cycles, social interests, and noise tolerance. These lifestyle differences can be a source of tension in households, so several facets may need to be adjusted for a happy transition. If you feel your parent’s needs are too much at some point, give yourself a break. Ask family members to assist you or seek help from a home care agency. Caregivers at a home care agency such as Neighborly Home Care will come to your home to help with your senior loved one’s needs. The assistance can varying according to levels of care needed, from visits on a regular recurring basis for just a few hours up to 24-hour care.
Neighborly Home Care can also provide numerous care services based on a care plan developed with you. In addition, the care plan can act as a plan if any future conditions or health issues arise, so you and your loved ones are prepared for long-term care.