The Top Elderly Careger Challenges

Although it can be rewarding caring for elderly parents, the challenges can easily become overwhelming for adult children who may be concerned about whether they're providing enough physical and emotional support for their loved ones on a consistent basis. Without professional help, the tasks can become difficult to perform with proper efficiency and care, especially for caregivers who have a career outside of the environment. For many caregivers, there are common challenges that can make it difficult to impossible for both the elder and provider to thrive.

Managing Emotional Stress

It can be extremely tasking caring for a loved one as their well-being is often in the hands of a loved one who may not be equipped both physically and financially to provide enough care. This can bring on guilt towards oneself and even bitterness toward the elder for the time and energy it takes, often affecting the financial and emotional stability of the caregiver.

This can be difficult to balance as caregivers who are often related to the individual can have more emotions involved and are trying to manage other responsibilities, which include a family of their own and a full-time career.

Without properly balancing both the personal life and time caring for the elder, it can cause anxiety, depression, and emotional burn-out that can create an uncomfortable and even unhealthy environment for both individuals.

Finances

Although it may be enjoyable to care for a loved one, it is not cheap. Those who care for relatives often pay an average of $5,500 annually of their own money, putting a financial strain on their own wallet and making it difficult to stay afloat, aside from the transportation, time, and medication often paid for, which often increases with time as the elder's health deteriorates and requires more attention.

Lack of Experiences

For caregivers who are inexperienced, it can be difficult having enough skill and knowledge in a number of fields that include medical, legal, and social education, making it difficult for the elder to thrive and even improve in their condition. Those with inexperience with caregiving can also have a lack of experience, making it difficult to provide time management and properly evaluate the individual on a daily basis without other distractions.

Proper elder care requires a collaborative effort to ensure the proper well-being and stability for each individual. For professional care and assistance, we recommend Visiting Angels.

Tips for Caring for a Elderly Parent

Caring for an elderly parent can be one of the most taxing experiences you'll ever go through in life. This type of work requires patience, understanding, money, and your own time, and it is going to become clear to you rather quickly whether or not you are cut out for it.

If you've found yourself in the position to need to care for your loved one, knowing what to do might come so easily.

These are several tips that should help when it comes to caring for your elderly parent.

Make a Care Giving Budget

Because caring for your aging parent is essentially the equivalent of making a lifestyle decision that will directly affect your or their finances, you'll need to keep the budget sensible and under control. Be sure to factor everything you can possibly think of in such as medications, food, home supplies, bills, etc.

Familiarize Yourself with Medicare and Public Benefits

There are many resources available that can make your job incredibly easier. For example, the National Council on Aging offers a checklist style resource that helps you narrow down which benefits your parent is eligible for. Additionally, Medicare/Medicaid should be checked into if your parent is not already enrolled.

Safeguard the House

You should constantly make sure that the home your elderly parent is staying in is "fall-proof." This means you should stabilize loose carpets that can easily slide around, clear hallways, consider hand rails, and more. You'll want to be sure that the house is well-lit, and don't forget to invest in a few night lights for distributing throughout the home.

Don't Expect Praise

Especially in cases with parents who have dementia or any similar conditions, it's important that you do not expect some sort of praise or recognition for what you've done. In these situations, your parent's brain is not functioning normally, and therefore, they are unable to appreciate your efforts for the time being. Always be patient and understanding with your parent.

Remember to Take Breaks

Care giving is a strenuous and emotionally taxing process. Don't forget to reserve time for yourself to get away and get your mind off of everything every once in awhile. Enlist the help of other family members to help when you need a break.

Consult Visiting Angels

Overall, the best solution for caring for an elderly parent is to leave it in the hands of a professional agency. Visiting Angels is a network of agencies that provide quality in-home care and peace of mind. Contact Visiting Angels today to see how your family can be helped!