Over time, aging adults may require more assistance as their physical strength and mental abilities begin to decline. In addition, they may be more likely to have a chronic conditions that calls for care beyond what they can manage on their own. Statistics from the CDC show that over 80% of women and over 75% of men in the U.S. are living with one or more chronic conditions. So what should one keep in mind when looking to potentially become a caregiver for their mom or dad?
Assuming the Role of Primary Caregiver: What to Consider
If you’re considering becoming the primary caregiver for one or both of your parents, there are many things to keep in mind. Since your parent will be under your watchful eye, you’ll have peace of mind that they’re getting good, attentive care. On the other hand, there may be caregiving skills required that are beyond what you can provide, especially if your parent has a health condition that requires special monitoring or care.
Being the primary caregiver for your parent will surely bring new responsibilities, and this may affect the time you can give to other areas of your life, such as your career and family. Of course, being able to care for your parent during this time in both of your lives may bring you lasting peace.
What Are Some Signs That My Parents Shouldn’t Live Alone?
Some aging adults can make certain modifications to their homes and live there safely and independently — but everyone is different.
A recent survey found that most adults in the U.S. would like to remain in their homes as they grow older. However, even though aging in place is the preferred option for many, it isn’t always the practical choice. Here are some indications that your aging parents shouldn’t be living alone anymore.
Memory problems
Around 5.8 million people in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and the CDC estimates that this number will increase to 14 million by 2060.
Memory problems can have serious consequences for older people, such as:
- Getting lost and wandering out of their home or a public place
- Forgetting to lock the doors or turn off the stove
- Skipping medication doses and doctors’ appointments
Memory impairment is a normal part of the aging process, but once it starts affecting daily activities, it may be a symptom of dementia.
Mobility issues
Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related death in people 65 and older in the U.S. The CDC estimates that more than 800,000 people are hospitalized due to falls each year, and fall prevention has become a priority in the U.S. If someone is unsteady on their feet, they’re at a greater risk of falling.
A home can be modified for someone with mobility issues by installing grab bars, zero-step entranceways, and carpeted stairs. However, living alone can still pose a safety risk.
A fall can happen at any time, and getting help quickly is essential. Take a look at LogicMark’s bestselling Guardian Alert 911 Plus, and find out how it can provide peace of mind for you and your parent.
Neglect of their home and hygiene
When someone starts neglecting their home or personal hygiene, it’s usually quite obvious. If it looks like your parent hasn’t showered, changed their clothes, or cleaned the house in a while, there could be one or several reasons for this, including:
- Being forgetful
- Not having enough strength
- Suffering from depression
- Becoming increasingly isolated
Struggling with basic tasks
This is a sign that can easily go undetected unless you make a point of visiting your parent for a few days at a time. It’s important to be in their presence long enough to observe how they run their household.
During a short afternoon visit, you may not have the chance to see them struggle to prepare a meal or forget more than half of the groceries they meant to purchase at the store.
Your parent’s quality of life will decline if they can no longer do basic daily tasks. For example, showering is one of the activities that older people often struggle with. If your parent has mobility issues and they’re afraid of falling in the shower when they’re alone, they may start skipping showers altogether.
The Freedom Alert Emergency Wall Communicator is a great tool that can help your aging parent feel more secure in the bathroom because they’ll know help is there if they need it. This water-resistant device offers two-way communication, allowing your parent to contact you or an emergency responder if an accident occurs, or when they need any sort of help.
What Does it Take to Care for an Aging Parent?
If you’ve decided to care for your aging parent, you’ll need to be mentally, physically, and financially prepared for what awaits.
Caregiving responsibilities
These duties vary depending on what your parent requires, as well as the environment you live in. Your duties as a family caregiver may include:
- Providing physical and emotional support
- Cooking meals and cleaning the house
- Assisting with bathing, grooming, and using the toilet
- Administering medication
- Providing transportation
- Ensuring the home is free of fall hazards
Challenges to Anticipate
If you’ve decided to go this route, here are some of the challenges you may encounter.
Drastic changes
Whether you decide to move in with your parent or they come to live with you, be prepared for change. As your parent’s caregiver, you may need to:
- Change your daily routine
- Leave your job or take on less hours
- Adjust to having less privacy
- Get used to your social life being different
Physical health
In most cases, caregiving tasks are a full-time job. If you do not have assistance and take on more than you can handle, you may experience sleep deprivation along with body aches and pains if you try to do too much carrying or lifting. You may also have an increased risk of developing chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes if you start to neglect your own health.
Mental health
Increased isolation due to your family caregiving responsibilities can result in anxiety and depression. By prioritizing someone else’s life, you may be putting yours second — even if you don’t realize it. It’s very important to stay connected with friends, seek help when you need it, and join support groups so you can open up to people who understand your struggles.
Financial challenges
Caregiving can be costly. And there aren’t always siblings or other family members who will be willing to split the costs with you. Depending on the health care or retirement plan your parents are on, there may be a benefit for family caregivers. Be sure to find this out before you make a decision about your full-time caregiving role.
When is Caregiving Not the Best Option for Me?
This is a decision only you can make. If you decide you’re not the best person to be your parent’s caregiver, there are other options. You may want to explore in-home care and assisted living, for example.
How Can I Make It Easier to Care for My Aging Parents?
If you’re not ready to care for your aging parents full-time, there are tools and devices that can help you keep a close eye on your loved ones. LogicMark has a range of medical alert devices to help give you and your aging parents peace of mind. So whether you’re at work, out shopping, or simply in another part of the house, LogicMark can help you and your parents stay connected.
