At some point in most people’s lives, the roles reverse with your parents. After years of them looking after you, you become the caregiver. For those with the time and resources this can be a real source of joy and satisfaction. But for others, the burden of care can seem overwhelming at times. There are many factors that can make it difficult to care for an elderly parent. We will discuss these in this blog, along with potential solutions.
Every child/parent relationship is, by definition, unique. Some children may be dealing with stubborn elderly parents who constantly refuse care, while others may have parents whose list of demands grows daily, and who are looking for alternative ways to support them.
Taking care of elderly parents might be a complex task for many families, but it doesn’t have to be. You should not feel ashamed if you are unable take care of your parents for any of the following reasons:
Fulfilling your own responsibilities— work pressure, children, your own health – for many of us, these factors take up most, if not all of our time. As these responsibilities grow it can become increasingly difficult for many people to care for their elderly parents.
If you are already struggling with mental or emotional health issues, caring for your aging parents can seem overwhelming. You deserve time to deal with your own needs first. If you don’t take care of yourself, you will never be able to look after them properly.
Caring for your aging parents can be especially challenging if you live far away. Traveling regularly to visit them might not be feasible.
If any of the above apply to you, in-home companion care services are a great option for you to consider. Companion care services are available today that can provide your elderly parents with the right care and support they need, and allow you to manage your busy schedule. Elderly companion care services such as Eve – a new ‘virtual caregiver’ solution – allow you to provide care for your parents from a distance.
The lesson here is simple: don’t do this alone!!
What steps to take if you can no longer care for your elderly parent?
If you find yourself unable to manage caregiving on your own, here are some action steps to consider:
| Assess your parent’s needs | Before choosing a companion care service, you must first assess your parent’s emotional, physical, and mental health needs. Is a companion for elderly wanted? Your elderly parents may require assistance with tasks such as remembering their medications, playing memory-boosting games, or engaging in physical activities like exercise or yoga. |
| Research companion care services | It’s crucial to search for a reputable companion care services provider. Don’t forget to read reviews and check the provider’s experience. You can also choose companion care services like Eve for your elderly parents, ensuring a comfortable and positive experience for your loved ones. |
| Discuss with your parents | If possible, you should discuss getting a companion care service with your parents. Emphasize that companion care is not just about helping them with emotional, mental, and physical health, but also about ensuring they have someone to talk to each day. |
| Explore companion care services | If you and your parents agree on getting outside help, you must make sure to explore the relevant companion care services. If you choose a virtual companion care service like Eve, you will have the additional reassurance of knowing that someone is checking in with your parent every day, and sending you texts when there is an issue. |
| Determine the cost of the service | One of the most important factors to consider when choosing companion care solutions for your aging parents is the cost of the services. If you are on a tight budget, Eve could be a great choice as your parents, costing just $30 per month— the same cost of one hour of help from a human caregiver. |
Conclusion
Caring for an elderly parent can be one of the most rewarding yet challenging responsibilities you’ll face in life. If you’re unable to provide full-time care yourself, companion care services such as Eve offer a compassionate, flexible, and affordable solution that provides your parent with the care they need and allows you to manage your time effectively.
