How to Go About Getting Help With Aging Parents

SHARE THIS

FACEBOOK

  DELICIOUS

  SU

  REDDIT

Are you a member of the so-called Sandwich Generation? Are in your 40s or 50s, have school-age children, and are also helping to take care of your aging parents? If you answered yes, then you’re in good company — about half of all Americans fit this profile. And we probably don’t have to tell you that it can be a challenge!

If you feel overwhelmed and stressed on a daily basis and struggle to meet all of your responsibilities, it may be time to get help with aging parents. Keep reading to learn about the process.

What Are the Options for Getting Help with Aging Parents?

The first step to take is to determine the level of care your parent needs. An aging relative who is of sound mind, but who suffers from poor health or limited mobility, has different requirements than someone who has a full-blown diagnosis of dementia or who is bedridden.

Let’s take a look at the three main alternatives for senior care.

Aging In Place

Is your mother largely independent, but needs occasional help? In that case, hiring a home health worker on a part-time basis might suffice. An aide can assist with tasks like:

— Housework and laundry

— Meal preparation

— Transportation

— Medication management

— Pet care

— Personal care like bathing or washing her hair

A home health aide can provide you peace of mind, and may also serve as a companion to your elderly parent.

If necessary, a live-in caretaker is also an option.

Senior Living, Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing Facilities

At the other end of the spectrum, your parent might need round-the-clock care and supervision, in which case a skilled nursing facility is the right choice. A facility like this will have 24/7 staff as well as monitoring to guard against residents who wander.

Senior living or assisted living facilities are for those elderly people who fall in between the two extremes. The staff at these assisted living facilities can assist with everyday tasks while also allowing the residents to maintain as much independence as possible.

In many cases, these facilities also incorporate a social element and offer trips, activities, classes, celebrations. There is usually a common area where residents can relax and spend time together.

Should You Open Your Home to An Aging Parent?

Depending on your circumstances, you might consider having your parent live with you if they can no longer adequately take care of themselves. It is undoubtedly going to be less expensive than paying for a residential facility. You won’t need to worry about elder abuse occurring.

Your parent may feel more comfortable being surrounded by family, and it’s an incredible opportunity for them to bond with your children.

Of course, this arrangement also places the burden of care squarely on you. If you are already stretched thin in terms of your time and energy, that can be very draining and difficult to manage. It can also take an even greater toll on your marriage and relationship with your children.

Wrapping Up

There are many challenges faced by the Sandwich Generation. If you find yourself struggling to rise to the occasion, consider getting help with aging parents. Whether you choose an assisted living facility, set up a room for Grandma in your home, or hire a part-time aide, you will rest easy knowing that they are well taken care of.

Have you had to move a parent into assisted living? Do you have a parent living with you? Tell us about your experience in the comment section!