What to Consider When Caring for Mom and Dad in Your Home

Most individuals grow up knowing that one day the adults that helped raise them will eventually need some assistance as they age. An increasing number of adult children have taken on the responsibility of caring for their parents. Although there are a plethora of options for caring for the elderly, including nursing homes, independent living communities, and home health aides, many adult children realize the comfort and emotional balance it can provide for their parents to be cared for by those that love them the most. If caring for mom and dad at home has become a responsibility of yours, there are going to be factors you’ll need to consider.

One of the first considerations is your parents’ abilities and needs at the present time and in the foreseeable future as it relates to your home. Through observation and questioning, you can quickly determine how independent your parents are and how much help they need as they age.

Mobility is often the first consideration as it pertains to your parents’ abilities. Whether from natural aging, wear and tear, or from an injury or illness, the ability to get around the house will get worse with time. Making the home easily accessible to your parents is ideal to minimize the struggles of decreased mobility.

Solutions to improve mobility and independence in your home for your parents might mean installing an EasyClimber, handicapped ramps, or simply making sure your parents have a room, bathroom, and kitchen on the first floor.

Time is another factor to consider when moving your aging loved ones into your home. Depending on their health needs, you could be required to dedicate a lot of time. An open conversation with their doctor can help you in determining how much help they really need. Ask about their physical fitness, medications, pre-existing conditions, to learn how involved you’ll need to be to ensure they’re taken care of.

Freeing up time to care for your loved ones may require enlisting the help of other family members, rearranging your responsibilities, and even eliminating certain activities from your routine. Review your schedule and compare it to the needs of your parents to determine whether you have the time to dedicate. However, be sure that you’re not giving up so much time that you’re sacrificing your own needs.

Finances are another huge obstacle for adult children caring for their parents to overcome. Although some older adults have money put away in retirement accounts, investment accounts, and funds coming in from the government, this may not always be enough to cover their expenses. Adult children are advised to thoroughly review their finances to determine whether they can financially take care of their parents.

Consider expenses like out-of-pocket medical costs, modifications to the home, and the increase in normal household expenses like groceries, gas, and electric. If, caring for your parents seems like it will cause financial distress, there are resources that provide services for free or at a low rate for the elderly that you can take advantage of.

Emotional impact is not to be overlooked when thinking about caring for your aging parents at home. Although it is an honor to care for those who once cared for you, it can be emotionally strenuous to deal with. The stress of watching your parent lose their independence, increased financial responsibilities, lack of time, and sacrifices you’ll make can turn what was a noble act of love into a chaotic mess.

Though emotional stress is to be expected while caring for your parents, there are things you can do to improve your mood. Self-care is first on the list. Ensuring that you care for your health and take time for you will be necessary for you to have the strength to be there for your loved ones. If necessary, there are resources for adult children, their parents, and other family members such as support groups and therapy.

Deciding not to place your parents in a nursing home may be the best decision for you and your family. However, if this is the route you’ve chosen to take, it is imperative that you consider the impact it will have on you. This includes reviewing their needs, how much time and money you’ll have to sacrifice, and of course the emotional impact this will have on you. In considering and preparing for these obstacles, caring for your aging parents can be done a lot easier.