More than half of all adults in the United States expect to be family caregivers at some point in their lives. If you’re considering providing home care for an aging parent, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared for the responsibility. Here are some important questions to ask yourself before you take on this role.
Am I Financially Ready to Become a Caregiver?
Being a caregiver will likely be more expensive than you predict. Government programs don’t always provide the security and financial assistance you expect and need. You’ll likely need to shoulder a great deal of the financial burden on your own, and you may need to cut back on hours at work at the same time, significantly reducing your monthly cash flow.
Do I Have the Support I’ll Need?
Caregiving can be very lonely, especially if you don’t have social support and resources in your area, such as support groups or respite care providers. Make sure you have a network of friends, family members, neighbors, church members, or others who can help you when you need it.
Caring for an aging adult without help can be overwhelming. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional home care, Potomac Assisting Hands Home Care should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults manage their health and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years.
Can I Take Care of My Loved One on My Own?
Ask yourself if you’ll have the time and ability to be a caregiver. The average caregiver spends 20 hours a week on providing care, and caregivers who live with their loved ones often spend even more time providing care. Ask yourself if you can really handle the responsibility on your own or if you’ll need to consider hiring a professional caregiver.
Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Potomac families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.
Am I Prepared for the Emotional Aspects of Caregiving?
Caregiving can be a very rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging emotionally. If your loved one has dementia, are you prepared to handle his or her changing behavior and potentially hurtful actions? Are you prepared to watch your loved one’s health decrease?
How Will This Role Affect My Children and Spouse?
Between caregiving and full-time employment, you might not have the time and energy to devote to the other people in your family. Consider whether bringing your loved one into your home will affect your family’s quality of life.
Does My Job Offer the Flexibility I Need?
Finally, keep in mind that more than half of all caregivers report work-related problems due to their caregiving role. You may need to take time off work to look after your loved one. Before committing to being your loved one’s caregiver, discuss the situation with your employer and find out if you’ll be able to take the time off you need without potentially affecting your growth opportunities.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide senior home care. Turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. If you need compassionate professional care for your loved one, call one of our friendly Care Specialists today.
