Depending on your circumstances, you might feel trapped caring for elderly parents. It’s a common thought, but it’s important to recognize that just because you feel that way doesn’t mean you don’t love or care about them. Below are things to keep in mind when caring for an elderly parent is no longer a viable option.
Be Realistic
You need to be practical when thinking about how much care you’re able to offer when taking care of elderly parents. Part of that is also realizing when you can no longer maintain a level of care you’ve previously given. Whether your reasons for your decision include personal factors, time constraints, or finances, supporting yourself in your own decision is critical to your well-being.
Know That You’ve Done Your Best
Guilt is a common emotion when a person realizes that they need help for elderly parents beyond what they can provide on their own. Remember that everyone has limits on what they’re able to do. You’ve done the best you can. Being able to identify when you can no longer be a caregiver is a good thing, it shows how much you care about your loved one and your own mental health.
How Do You Tell Family You Can No Longer Be a Caregiver?
When telling family members that you can no longer care for an elderly parent, you’ll need to be prepared for the reactions of others, but also seek to manage your own feelings, too. An unintentional lack of empathy can create anger, resentment, and misplaced judgment or frustration. Here are some things to consider before having that conversation.
Consider How Others Will Feel
It can be difficult to tell family your decision; you’ll need to consider how others will be affected by it. They may resent your choice and worry about having to put more of their own time and effort into the role. Regardless of how unequal the burden is or how unfair their frustrations may feel, it’s important to be prepared. You don’t have to agree with their perspective, just be able to speak to their concerns and put in the effort to avoid conflict.
Communicate with Compassion
Always communicate to your family with compassion and care. Make it clear that you are not doing this to force other family members to do anything they don’t want to do. There may be some pushback when you explain your decision, but it’s important that you remain calm. If you’ve reached the limit of your capabilities, say so. If they’re unable to help, then suggest looking into professional care providers like Advanced Nursing + Home Support.
Take Care of Yourself
It’s common for a caregiver to feel like others are judging them for abandoning the original plan or for thinking only of themselves when that isn’t the case. It’s vital to give yourself a physical and emotional break by practicing self-care.
You’re not the first or only person to be in this situation, and there are people out there to help you through it. You need support, too. Fortunately, resources are available when you need help for elderly parents.
Home Care Services to Consider for Your Elderly Parent
Sometimes, the best alternative to providing elderly care yourself can be found in a professional elderly care service provider. Companies like Advanced Nursing + Home Support have teams of compassionate, expertly trained, certified home care providers who offer a valuable array of services.
Some of these services are:
- Personal care.
- Skilled nursing care.
- Medication management assistance.
- Companion care.
- Cardiac care.
- Ventilator management and supervision.
- Respite care.
- Transportation.
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s care.
- End-of-life care.
- Diabetes management.
- Quadriplegic or paraplegic in-home care.
Home care can be part-time, full-time, temporary, permanent, or done on an as-needed basis. It’s also an excellent way for your loved one to remain at home and independent. In-home assessments for the elderly are available to help you make decisions about different aspects of your elderly loved one’s need for care.
Find an In-Home Care Provider in Maryland Today
The staff at Advanced Nursing+ Home Support strives to empower every individual with the best home care available. If you or someone you love is in need of in-home care at any level in the D.C. area or Maryland, contact Advanced Nursing + Home Support today and let us know how we can help.
