Your choice to be a family caregiver for your aging parent can be one of the most pressing and meaningful decisions you make.
Not only are you at determining whether you will be the one to help your senior manage their individual needs and challenges, and help them live their highest quality of life, but you’re also making a decision that will impact your partner, your children, your career, your friends, and yourself. This is a decision that should not be taken lightly, and it is important for you to evaluate all aspects of this decision, and the reality of being a family caregiver for a senior who is living with a severe health issue such as Alzheimer’s disease, so you can make the decisions that are right for both of you.

Some things to ask yourself when you are considering whether you are emotionally ready to care for seniors Alzheimer’s disease include:

• Are you emotionally prepared to confront the reality of your senior’s mortality?
• Can you cope with making important decisions for your parent based on both their wishes and the needs of the situation?
• Do you have the patience to cope with challenges such as not being able to communicate effectively, not being able to manage basic daily tasks in the same way, and needing extensive daily care?
• Are you easily manipulated by your aging parent to feel guilty about the decisions you make, or the amount of time you are with your parent?
• Are you comfortable with providing potentially sensitive care, such as helping your parent bathe and get dressed, toilet, or groom themselves?
• Do you have it in you to ask for, or accept, help when others offer it to you as you are caring for an elderly adult with Alzheimer’s disease?

Stepping into the role of being a family caregiver can be intimidating.

You know you will face stress and challenges, and you have the tremendous responsibility of taking care of your parent and ensuring they stay safe and healthy as they age. Making senior care an element of your care efforts for your aging parent can be a highly effective way to not only ensure your parent gets all of the care and assistance they really need, but also so that you do not face stress that can be damaging to your mental, emotional, and physical health and well-being. This helps to ensure a higher quality of life for your aging parents, and for you, as they age in place.

Are you or a family member considering Homecare in Sacramento, CA? Talk to the friendly staff at Golden Years In-Home Senior Care. Call us today at 916-333-0383. We are here when you need us!

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About the Author, Carrie Ballard:

Golden Years In-Home Senior Care was founded by Ken and Carrie Ballard. Their passion for providing compassionate quality care for seniors began years ago, when they assisted in the operations of their family’s home care facilities. It was there, they realized their life long calling. Even at a young age, they both knew caring for seniors was what they wanted to do.
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References

• Alz.org/10_signs
• Alz.org/facts-figures