When Is It Time to Seek Help for Your Aging Parents?
Aging is a natural part of life, but watching our parents grow old can be overwhelming. Adult children often face the challenging question of whether their parents need a caregiver. Oftentimes, parents struggle with the role reversal—after all, they’ve been the caregiver for the past several decades. Thankfully, family caregivers helping their aging parents can look to BrightStar Care of Hamilton County, IN for support. Here are our tips for deciding if your parent would most benefit from a professional caregiver.
Understand the Signs of Aging
One of the first steps in deciding if your parents need a caregiver is recognizing the signs of aging. Physical changes, cognitive decline, and emotional shifts are all common as people grow older. But how do you differentiate between normal aging and the need for extra help? Look for the following signs in your parent:
- Physical Changes—Everyone notices physical changes with age, whether you’re 30 or 70. However, significant changes that make it difficult to move or balance could require additional help. If physical changes make cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene difficult, it may be time for a caregiver.
- Cognitive Decline—If your parents frequently forget appointments, misplace items, or have trouble following conversations, they may be experiencing significant cognitive decline and would benefit from professional caregiving.
- Emotional Shifts—Mood swings, depression, and anxiety can accompany aging. If your parents seem unusually irritable, withdrawn, or sad, they might be struggling to cope with their changing circumstances.
Assess Daily Living Activities
Daily living activities are essential for maintaining independence. Take the time to assess how your parents go about these activities. If they’re doing so with ease, there’s likely no need to worry. But if they have trouble with any of the following, it’s a good idea to look into professional caregiving:
- Personal hygiene tasks, including bathing, dressing, and grooming
- Household responsibilities, like cooking, cleaning, and managing finances
- Mobility concerns, like walking, getting up from a chair, or driving
The Benefits of Hiring a Caregiver
Even if your parent is resistant to hiring a caregiver, it might be in their best interest. Try explaining the numerous benefits of professional caregiving, and highlight these ways it may enhance their well-being:
- Increased Safety—If your parent is concerned about falls or has fallen in the past, a caregiver can alleviate many of these concerns. In addition to minimizing fall risk, a caregiver can also help with managing medications and meal preparation.
- Improved Quality of Life—Caregivers provide companionship and emotional support, which can significantly improve your parents’ quality of life. They might also encourage social interaction and engage them in activities they enjoy.
- Easy-to-Adjust Care—As your parent’s needs change, so does their homecare. When you choose a skilled caregiver, they can make adjustments to your loved one’s treatment plan as necessary. A caregiver may also communicate these changes to your parent’s doctor.
- Peace of Mind for Family—Having a professional caregiver can relieve the pressure on family caregivers. Instead of worrying constantly about your parent’s well-being, you can rest assured that they are receiving the high-quality care they need.
Transitioning to Homecare
Transitioning to having a caregiver can be challenging for your parents, especially if they’re coming to terms with the loss of some of their independence. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can make the transition smoother. Here are some ideas for keeping your parent comfortable as they transition to homecare:- Open Communication—Discuss the decision openly and honestly with your parents—the last thing you want to do is leave them in the dark. Explain the benefits and how the caregiver can improve their quality of life. As you discuss the benefits, be sure to leave room for their feelings. No matter how good you make it sound, your parent may still have valid feelings of sadness and anxiety.
- Gradual Introduction—Don’t transition to full-time homecare overnight. If possible, introduce the caregiver gradually. Start with short visits and increase the duration as your parent becomes more comfortable.
- Involvement in Decision-Making—Show your parent their opinion matters by involving them in the transition. Make sure to heed their input as you look for a caregiver.
- Encourage Independence—Show your parent they can still be independent, even with a caregiver. Encourage them to use adaptive devices to make mobility easier, and help them find ways to continue participating in hobbies and social events.