For adult children, caring for older parents at home is often complex, with physical, emotional and social concerns. Adult children may find the need to increase their responsibility as caregiver for an aging parent, as they become more and more involved in the everyday tasks this crucial role requires, all while trying to balance their loved one’s independence.
It’s easy to get caught up in the role of caregiver when the situation arises—our parents have done so much for us, and when they need a helping hand, it’s instinctive to want to do everything we can to assist. However, it’s vitally important to keep in mind that, for the vast majority of seniors, maintaining independence is a key component in their desire to age at home. While our efforts may certainly be well intended, it can be easy to go from caring for aging parents to taking over and doing everything for them. And often, this type of hands-on caregiving can have a negative effect on the self-sufficiency and overall day-to-day freedom seniors need and deserve.
The Saginaw home care team at Compassionate Care Home Health suggests keeping the following in mind:
- Independence makes it possible for seniors to continue contributing to the community and world around them, and to feel good about the impact they’re making
- Self-sufficiency offers older adults a sense of fulfillment and self-worth, both of which are crucial during the later years
- Having the ability to accomplish tasks independently promotes future and continuing self-sufficiency
- Senior independence helps prevent feelings of discouragement and uselessness, even in the midst of of illness, injury and the overall challenges of growing older
Try to place yourself in your older loved one’s shoes. How would you feel if someone took over tasks that you knew you were capable of doing yourself? Allowing a senior you love to continue to do things independently provides a sense of purpose and can foster feelings of self-assurance. By bringing in professional help from experts who specialize in home care services for seniors, you can help enhance your loved one’s feelings of empowerment and ability to function effectively at home. Compassionate Care Home Health, is here to help when the need arises – partnering with you and your loved one, and never taking over.
Compassionate Care Home Health, top provider of home health services in Saginaw, MI and the surrounding area, has skilled caregivers who provide a wide range of home care services for seniors allowing your loved one to focus on what he or she can do, and assisting with tasks that are overwhelming. Our home care services include light housekeeping and meal preparation, help with personal care needs, transportation, and so much more. Contact us online or by phone at 877.308.1212 today to learn more. Our home care experts can assist in maintaining independence for seniors throughout several Michigan locations!