One day you realize that mom or dad can no longer live in their own home alone. It seems like yesterday your parents made all the decisions and cared for you. Suddenly, you are faced with caring for them. You want your parent to stay happy and comfortable. together you made the decision not to move them into an assisted living or nursing facility. After discussing living options with your parent, you decide that mom or dad should move in with your family.
This is no easy task. Many choices have to be made. You have to understand that many changes will take place in everyone's lives. Many changes will take place in your families schedule and living arrangements. No matter how good your relationship is with your parent, living together will at times become uncomfortable and difficult. It can bring on added stress, tension and conflicts.
Rearranging your family household and way of life will not be easy. Staying calm in trying situations is the best thing to do. Separate your emotions from the situation that may be bothering you. Remember this is just as stressful, if not more stressful for mom or dad. Make them feel involved. Let them help, if they can, with easy tasks around the house. Invite neighbors and friends to visit, giving you some time for you. Help them retain their dignity and make them feel comfortable like they did in their own home. Years of their own way of life have just been turned upside down. Now they have to depend on someone else. For years they were independent. Now they need a helping hand. Reaching out and giving them that helping hand means the world to them.
Set up some boundaries. Give everyone their own space. Make sure that everyone has private time. This will help the whole family feel more comfortable. Most important, keep the lines of communication open between you and your parent. By simple communication you can always address issues that arise that may be bothering you or your parent. Retain a sense of humor, or at least try. Always treat each other with respect and love. It is always good to get things in the open instead of keeping it inside.
If mom or dad needs supervision, it may be more difficult on your family. Days may have to be rescheduled to ensure that someone is always home. If you find that you are having a difficult time handling the situation, in-home care services are a good option to assist in the care of a parent. Home care can reduce some of the burden on you and your family. In home care can help you maintain your way of life, your scedule and let you continue to live your live like you used to. Don't allow yourself to become physically and emotionally depleted. Supplemental in-home care can help families overcome some hurdles when caring for a loved one. In-home care is a more affordable option to a nursing facility as well.
As oppose to assited living or nursing facilities, a loving family home provides the much important social setting our elderly parents need to continue living a healthy, comfortable, joyful way of life. Sharing your home with a parent is the most caring, loving and rewarding experience you will ever have. Even though you may feel crazy, emotional, depressed and angry at times. The great memories you are making will last for the rest of your life.
Elderly people live a healthier and better quality of life when they are surrounded by their family. Grandchildren can spend precious time with grandma or grandpa that can never be replaced. Always remember they are your parent. They are reaching out to you now. They love you very much. Let them continue to share their love with you and your family.
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