Caring for an aging parent: An emotional rollercoaster
Caring for an aging parent can be a difficult and heart-breaking process. Home Instead are here to guide you and assist.
The emotional rollercoaster
Caring for an aging parent can be a difficult and heart-breaking process. You may feel overwhelmed by the physical and emotional demands, uncertain about what to do, or even guilty that you can’t do enough. It’s important to remember that whatever emotions you are feeling are valid and normal. Home Instead is on hand to assist and if we can, guide you on your journey. We have seen first-hand the emotional impact of caring for an ageing parent and we are well placed to help families cope with it.
Challenges in caring for your parent.
Caring for your parent can bring up all sorts of emotions—from guilt and sadness to frustration and anger. It can be hard to cope with the changes that have occurred in your relationship with them as they age, as well as seeing them struggle with physical limitations or health issues. You may also find yourself dealing with financial worries or the stress of making difficult decisions on behalf of your parent. All these challenges can take an emotional toll on you.
The importance of self care.
When caring for someone else, it’s easy to forget about taking care of yourself too. But self-care is essential during this time because it helps you stay emotionally balanced so that you can continue being a caregiver without burning out or neglecting other areas of your life. Make sure to find time for activities that bring you joy or relaxation; prioritise regular exercise; get enough sleep; eat nutritious meals; and don’t hesitate to ask family members or friends for help when needed. Home Instead is able to step in whilst you take a well earned break. Our wonderful care professionals can provide regular respite care for a few hours, either taking your loved one out or staying with them at home whilst you go out. We can stay with your loved one 24 hours a day if you need to take a longer break. We have even accompanied a person to a family wedding so that the family could enjoy the day worry free, knowing that Mum was in safe hands.
Reaching out for support
It’s also important to reach out for support from family members, friends, online communities, or professional counsellors if necessary. Talking through your feelings can help decrease depression symptoms associated with caregiving roles such as fatigue, irritability, guilt, and worry. Such conversations may also provide much-needed empathy and understanding from other people who have gone through similar experiences as you. At Home Instead we have the knowledge and experience to offer you the support and advice around home care, that could really make a difference.
Caring for an aging parent is never easy—it requires patience and strength in equal measure—but it doesn’t have to be done alone either! Make sure you prioritise self-care during this time so that you don’t experience burnout from your caregiving responsibilities. Additionally, you can reach out for support whenever possible—a listening ear from a friend or family member could make all the difference in how positively (or negatively) you handle this situation! Remember: You are not alone!
With our lovely care professionals covering Southport, Formby, Ainsdale, Birkdale, Churchtown, Crossens, Scarisbrick and everywhere in between we are her to help.
If you want to learn more about how Home Instead can help you or a loved one please call us on 01704 547938 or download our E- brochure below:
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