Caring for a senior parent or loved one can be difficult, and caring for them in your own home has its own set of issues that can arise, especially if you have children in the house. Complex medical procedures, cognitive impairments, and mobility issues can make it difficult to care for an elderly person in the same home as you raise your kids, for various reasons depending on their ages and ability to understand what is going on.
If you have an elderly loved one at home that requires daily senior care, here are some tips to help:
Set boundaries
It is vital that while caring for a loved one who needs senior care in your home that you create and follow boundaries. Figure out exactly what you want and do not want, and be sure that everyone is clear on what is allowed and then stick to the rules.
Practice self-care
If you are caring for an elderly loved one, you must take time to practice good self-care. Make sure that you are taking the time to prioritize your physical and mental well-being and doing the things that you love to do, such as regular massage, hobbies, or socializing with friends. If you do not put yourself first, your loved ones won’t be able to receive the kind of care that they expect and deserve, and you will not feel your best.
Make a schedule
One way to make sure that things run as smoothly as possible is to make a family schedule. This will enable your children to get time that they need without any interruptions and make sure that everyone feels like they are valued and that their needs are important. Be sure that your senior understands that they need to respect the schedule, and that your kids understand that Grandma or Grandpa’s time is important as well. Put the schedule or calendar in an area where everyone can see it so there are no excuses.
Check in with your family
It’s also important to listen to the needs of your family so that you can make the best of the senior care situation while your elderly loved one is getting care in your home. Call regular meetings with both your parent and your family to check in and see how things are going. If you have young children at home, be sure that you let them vent about anything that worries, concerns, or scares them with regard to your senior’s care. This will ensure that no one is feeling resentful or angry or like they are not being heard.
Hire Help
If having your senior loved one at home is causing issues or you feel like it is taking too much time away from your family, consider hiring professional home care services. You can have caregivers come in and take care of your senior during the times that work best for your family, and it will allow you to be more present and less stressed with both your senior and the rest of your family.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Senior Care in Chapel Hill, NC please contact the caring staff at Affordable Family Care. Serving Raleigh, Greensboro, and the surrounding areas in North Carolina. Call today 919-676-1070.
