We’ve heard the saying “once an adult, twice a child,” but the impact of those words may not truly hit until your elderly parent is in need of living assistance. Your parents may have once seemed to be invincible beings that could conquer the world. Your parents are still the same great people they’ve always been; they’re now just in need of a little help. The stress of caring for a family of your own, working a career, and maintaining your own self-care may feel overwhelming as it is. When a parent is in need of assistance, the responsibility may seem like too much to bear. Now is not the time to lose your head. Keep calm and be in the know of all of your options for your aging parent.
Here are some tips on caring for elderly parents in Palos Verdes.
Be Understanding
Talk with your parent to discuss what it is that he or she wants for the future. Does he want to remain in his home? Would she consider moving in with you? Is an assisted living facility the better option? Take your parent’s wishes into consideration before you make any major decisions on his or her behalf. Your parent deserves to be happy in his or her old age with a choice that works for both of you.
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Handle Business
Get down to the nitty gritty and talk with your parent about things like power of attorney and a living will. In the event of emergency or some other unfortunate circumstance, there may be the need for someone to act on your parent’s behalf. This is when you need to go over the details extensively for what’s to come. Work out budgets and timelines for your parent so that you both can be in the know of what’s in store without the stress of last-minute decisions and penny pinching. Have all important documents in safe locations that you both know how to access with ease.
Know Your Boundaries
Although you may feel the need to be superman or superwoman for your aging parent, you don’t need to bite off more than you can chew. The mental and physical demands of caring for aging parents are high and require great consideration before embarking on such a task. If you already have a lot on your plate, it may be wise to seek outside help to care for your parent. There are trusted and reputable agencies out there that can help you through this difficult time. In the end, you will be glad that you were honest with yourself and your parent in the scope of care you can provide.
Are you ready to begin the process of seeking living assistance for your parent in Palos Verdes? Contact A Peaceful Way Home Care to get a better look at the options you have to keep your parent happy and well cared for from the comfort of his or her own home. Let the professionals work their magic and take the guesswork out of in-home care.