There will come a time in your life where you realise just how much things can change. When you’re younger and you watch your parents, you see them as being these invincible beings that keep you safe and happy forever, but as you get older you realise that they’re getting older too. It may start out as them forgetting the odd thing once in a while, to then maybe having a little accident where they’ve fallen over. Now, it’s important to know that everyone ages differently, so you can’t predict the future. But sometimes there comes a point where your parents are no longer able to look after themselves, and it then boils down to what kind of action you’re going to take in order to help them.
This is never a nice situation to find yourself in, as you never want to see your parent incapable of doing the simple things that they once were able to do. But unfortunately this is just a way of life, and all you can do is accept that and be there for them.
Here are your options.
Home services
Understandably there may be some things that you don’t have full knowledge about when it comes to being a carer, so you may want to consider having a professional who comes in and takes care of your parent. They will put meals together, keep on top of any medication they need to take, help with bathing and washing, and even clean and garden. This can really take a load off because this way you aren’t having to carry around all that pressure now that you have a professional to rely on. Plus they still have the environment that they’re used to and comfortable in, only now with some helping hands included. So have a look into a home care package and see what services you require.
Residential home
If the home that your parent is living in is just too much of a danger to them now due to the stairs, or the shower, or the open kitchen, then you may need to think about moving them into a residential home instead. You need to be prepared for a disagreement, as people can always find the idea of this to be cruel, but you need to think about what’s right for your parent, and how you can ensure they’re kept safe. By moving them to an environment where everything has been specifically made and placed for the ease and comfort of elderly people, it lowers the risk they have of having a nasty fall, or burning themselves from the water being too hot.
These are two of your main options, and although you may not feel like you’re warming to either of them, this may well be the best road for you and your family to take. You could always decide to just look after them by yourself, but know that essentially this will turn into a full-time job, and you won’t have time to do anything else. While they’re your parent, they wouldn’t want you to sacrifice your own life.
This is a collaborative post.
