As elderly parents age, they require an increasing level of assistance. Chronic health problems, frailty, and cognitive issues can make living alone a risk. When adult children choose to live with an aging parent, it’s important that they know how to successfully cope with the challenges.
Nearly one-quarter of adults aged 45 to 64 serve as caregivers, per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Caregiving is a time-consuming role, necessitating 20 or more hours per week. Care can also be lengthy, with half of all caregivers reporting they’ve provided care for 24 months or more.
A significant number of family caregivers choose to avoid placing an elderly parent in a nursing facility. Rather, they opt to provide care at home. Some adult children move in with their adult parent, while others decide to make room for the senior in their own home.
Living with an aging parent at home and providing hands-on care can be a rewarding experience. However, as with any caregiving scenario, the adult child inevitably comes across challenges, including those involving finances, family, careers, and everyone’s mental and physical health.
If the home is spacious, the adult children and parents have plenty of room. But strains on the relationship can arise due to the senior’s dementia, refusal to manage their own care, or interfering. Rather than feel overwhelmed, family caregivers should learn how to cope.
How do families cope with living with an aging parent?
1. Invest in Oneself
Family caregivers must prioritize their own physical and mental health. They are urged to avoid letting caregiving duties take over their lives. Set aside time to pursue a hobby, focus on a career, or enjoy the company of friends and family to prevent caregiver burnout and feelings of powerlessness.
2. Evaluate Finances
When an aging parent lives in the home, additional expenses accrue. Adult children who must pay for medications, doctors’ visits, extra groceries, and recreation are advised to see if financial assistance from Medicare is available to them. Plan ahead to ensure finances are in order.
3. Seek Support with Tasks
Elderly parents who are too frail or impaired to perform self-care tasks on their own require assistance. Family caregivers may be uncomfortable helping the senior bathe, toilet, or dress. In these instances, consider a professional caregiver to provide the necessary support with personal hygiene tasks.
4. Watch for Mental Health Issues
It’s common for older adults to feel depressed or lonely once a spouse, friends, and loved ones pass away. Living with a parent gives adult children an opportunity to watch for signs of depression or loneliness, then take steps to alleviate their distress through counseling or companion caregivers.
5. Establish Boundaries
Boundaries can be crossed when an aging parent lives with the adult child. Maintain harmony in the relationship by setting clear boundaries, such as what the family caregiver will and will not do and what the senior is in charge of handling.
6. Set a Routine
Disruptions can occur if the parent frequently calls the adult child at work, for instance. Setting a routine for when calls can be made, the family goes on outings, or snacks are served helps both the senior and the family caregiver know what to expect—which can be a relief.
7. Reflect on Contributions
Caregiving duties seem endless when the parent lives with the caregiver and demands constant attention. A caregiver who feels they aren’t doing enough should reflect on their contributions. The caregiver’s guilt melts away when they acknowledge how they’ve improved the senior’s life.
8. Validate Feelings
Holding discussions with the elderly parent is necessary when setting boundaries, introducing a professional caregiver or taking away the car keys because it is no longer safe for them to drive. Employ a calm, positive approach and validate their feelings during important conversations.
9. Seek Outside Support
Family caregivers who feel overwhelmed by caregiving are urged to seek outside help to preserve their emotional and physical health. Join a local caregiver support group in-person or online. The Area Agency on Aging is another valuable resource that provides support to older adults.
Respite care from a home care agency gives family caregivers relief. When utilized on a regular basis, respite care lifts the burden of care duties and offers the adult child an opportunity to rest, rejuvenate, and return to caregiving with a renewed outlook—this helps improve the parent-adult child relationship.
Family caregivers who live with elderly parents are encouraged to prioritize their emotional and physical health, their immediate families, and their happiness. Living with the senior is less stressful with outside help. Adult children should look for a resource that can deliver optimum home care.
One such elder care resource is Assisting Hands Home Care. We offer a comprehensive range of non-medical services to support seniors in the comfort of home. Our dependable respite care is ideal when the family caregiver needs personal time or a break from caregiving responsibilities.
Respite caregivers provide discreet help with personal hygiene tasks, like bathing, toileting, and dressing. We prepare healthy meals and socialize with seniors during mealtimes to encourage eating. Transportation to medical clinics and pharmacies is included in our home care services.
Family caregivers who incorporate our respite care into the aging parent’s care plan experience reduced stress, less depression, improved physical health, and greater peace of mind. We resume care where you leave off, ensuring the older adult receives uninterrupted, quality care.
Our reputable senior home care agency offers additional care options, such as compassionate Alzheimer’s care. Included in all our care services are personal assistance and fall risk assessments. Scheduling is flexible and our professional caregivers can accommodate a variety of scheduling needs.
When you live with an elderly parent and struggle with time or feel overwhelmed, respite care from Assisting Hands Home Care in Hollywood, Florida, is invaluable. Enjoy peace of mind with support from our licensed, bonded, and insured professionals. Schedule an in-home consult today to learn more.
