The costs of caring for an aging loved one in your home may not be as transparent as you initially believe. Although these arrangements are often made with the best of intentions, failing to consider the full range of demands family caregivers experience can be detrimental. Understanding what it means to assume total responsibility for the wellbeing of a loved one is an important part of determining which resources and forms of support will be necessary for success.
Lost Wages
It’s often impossible for caregivers to maintain full-time jobs while offering around-the-clock support to their loved ones. Although your loved one might be fairly self-sufficient when you first step into the role of caregiver, he or she may experience a continued decrease in self-sufficiency over time. This can mean having to take an extended period away from work or even leave a job entirely. Caregivers must also consider the impact extended leaves can have on their overall marketability in the workforce in the future.
If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality home care, Assisting Hands Home Care Frederick can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age.
Diminished Quality of Life
It can be incredibly difficult when one person is shouldering the responsibility of caring for an aging adult at all times of the day and night. Regular breaks from their duties are often not possible for caregivers who are managing these responsibilities on their own. Caregiver burnout and other issues can affect both the physical and emotional wellbeing of all parties.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide homecare. Turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
Changes in Personal Relationships
The demands of caring for a loved one in a full-time capacity can take their toll on marital relationships, children, siblings and friends. Husbands, wives, or children can feel as though the family member doing the caregiving may be neglecting their needs and giving “preferential” treatment to the senior family member. Between siblings, if one is doing the primary caregiving, it’s common for the siblings to disagree on what type of care Mom or Dad needs most.
Aside from calculating the monetary costs of caring for a senior loved one, it’s vital to think about the other effects this change might have on your relationships, your wellbeing, and your long-term financial health. Opting to get assistance from a home care agency is one of the best ways to offset the hidden costs of family caregiving. Family caregivers who rely on these services are less likely to experience burnout and have a far better opportunity to maintain their personal and professional relationships.
When considering elderly home care, Frederick families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits. Reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care today to find out how we can assist you and your loved one.
