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As people age, many reach a certain point when their cognitive and physical abilities decline, and they can no longer safely care for themselves. Sometimes, they can no longer afford to live on their own. Fortunately, some seniors have close family members who will let their older loved ones move in with them.
In many parts of the world, it’s the cultural norm for grown children to live in the same household as their parents. In Asia, many adults are expected to care for their parents and other older relatives until the end of their lives. This concept, known as filial piety, is traditionally practiced with firmly rooted religious and cultural support systems in place.
However, in the United States, there aren’t as many of these support systems available for caregivers living in multi-generational households. For many Americans, this type of living arrangement is often seen as a last resort. It’s more common for aging Americans to live in their own homes or in housing communities specifically designed for seniors. That is, if they can afford it.
Caring for aging loved ones in your home can be rewarding, but it can often be challenging. You may need to miss work when they’re seriously ill, when you take them to doctors’ appointments, or when they need more hands-on care. As they age, lifting, toileting, and bathing them can take a physical toll on your body. And the stress of caring for seniors with dementia can take a toll on your mental and overall health.
There may come a time when these challenges are so overwhelming you’ll need to place your older loved ones in the next level of care. When their cognitive and/or physical health have deteriorated beyond what you can manage, or because your own health has declined, you’ll need to make a decision soon. Whatever the reason, you may feel guilty for being overwhelmed or thinking about moving them out of your home. And those feelings are normal.
Sometimes, when you know it’s time to let go, it happens on a gut-level—that lightbulb or “a-ha” moment. This can occur when your usual support system begins to fall away or cracks show in your life: when your friends are tired of hearing you talking about it, when your spouse desires your attention, or when your kids and grandkids start acting out. Or it could be a “final straw” incident.
It’s Okay to Take a Break.
Maybe all you need is a little break every once in a while to run errands, visit friends, or just relax. Do you have friends or family members who can step in and help occasionally? Respite care is another option. It provides a temporary break from the stress of caregiving and a place in the local community where loved ones can receive help from trained professionals. This might be in the form of adult day care, short-term stays at senior facilities, or in-home care.
If a little break is not enough, contact us today to see how we can help!
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