Senior Care News

A Checklist of Things to Consider When Caring for an Aging Parent

Elderly Care in Shelby OH

Setting out to take care of an aging parent is usually an act of love. This might be your mother or father, who were likely there for you most of your life, and all you want to do is make sure they are safe, comfortable, and have what they need in their own home. You don’t see it as being a caregiver, but when you begin stopping by to help them with various things, when you take time out of your life to devote to their care, that’s exactly what you become.

If you’re still considering this, or you are feeling a bit of stress and anxiety in your life beginning to take over, here is a simple checklist you might consider looking through before or when you’re caring for an aging parent.

Do you have time for this?

Most of us underestimate just how much time is required to be a caregiver. It can take up more and more time every week. It can reach a point when you are leaving work early, skipping dates with friends, and even not keeping up with the cleanliness in your own home.

Do you have experience?

If you don’t have the right type of experience, how do you know you will be able to provide exactly what this loved one needs? You might offer help to take out the garbage, to go shopping, even get to a doctor’s appointment, but is that all he or she needs right now?

Can you be impartial?

You need to remember this elderly loved one is an independent person; they have every right to determine what they do, try, or pursue. Can you be impartial? In other words, will your worries about their safety cause you to take over and begin telling them what they can or can’t do?

How will this impact your relationship?

You might see this as a great opportunity to spend more time together, but the stress of being a caregiver combined with the stress of dealing with these physical and health challenges the senior is coping with can negatively impact your relationship.

Are there better options?

One of the most important questions to ask is whether or not there are better options available. Hiring an experienced home care aide from an agency is arguably the best option for most seniors, whether they have mobility issues, are dealing with health challenges, or have feelings of isolation and loneliness more often as of late.

If you are considering hiring elderly care in Shelby, Ohio, call the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at (419) 610-2161.  Providing services for families in Mansfield, Lexington, Bellville, Mt. Gilead, Loudonville, Crestline, Galion, Shelby, Ashland, Wooster, and the surrounding areas.

 

Stephen Sternbach

Recent Posts

Categories

Contact Us About Home Care

Skip to content