3 Tips If You Know Caregiving Is Hard on Your Adult Children

Most seniors (88%) believe it is important to live independently, safely, and comfortably in their homes as long as possible. Aging in place improves quality of life, is more affordable, and allows you to be socially engaged in your community. But it can be challenging without additional support from others.

Many turn to their loved ones, such as adult children and grandchildren, for additional support. And because they want what's best for their parents or grandparents, they often go out of their way to provide the companionship and care their loved ones need to age in place.

But it's a huge ask. Your adult children and grandchildren have their own complex lives to handle. They have goals to achieve, jobs to attend, friends to check up on, and family to care for. Taking on the additional responsibility of caring for an elderly family member could be too overwhelming, damaging your relationship and risking their health.

Fortunately, there are other options for getting the assistance you need to live independently. Consider the options below.

Hire In-Home Caregivers

If caregiving is hard on your adult children because of your increasing needs or a chronic condition, consider hiring in-home caregivers. In-home caregivers provide the professional level of constant care and assistance that is impossible if the caregiver isn't trained or juggles other responsibilities.

The best in-home caregivers in Collinsville provide a range of care and assistance services, such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, running errands, light housework, and medication reminders. They also care for seniors living with chronic conditions such as dementia and Parkinson's disease.

A senior caregiver can help ensure your safety if you want to relieve your child of the responsibility of caring for you but want to age in place. Some of the benefits of in-home senior care include:

You remain in the comfort of your home
You receive one-on-one attention
It is more cost-effective than residential facilities
You stay in control over all aspects of your own life
You receive companionship from your caregiver
You can own a pet

In-home care means you don't have to interrupt your daily routine to relieve your child of the responsibility of care.

Use Adult Daycare or Respite Care

Consider respite care to give your adult children a much-needed break from caregiving responsibilities to relieve stress and recharge. It is a service designed to provide family caregivers with a period of rest by temporarily providing the care you need for some time. You spend a few hours per day or a few days per month in respite care.

The respite care can occur in your home, in a residential or nursing facility, or at an adult daycare center. Not only does it ease the burden and provide a welcome break to your family caregiver, but it also provides you with stimulation, variety, and a welcome change of routine. They also don't rob you of the benefits of aging in place.

Try Independent or Assisted Living Communities

Besides the other two, the closest thing to aging independently without requiring help from family is to consider independent or assisted living communities, depending on the level of assistance you need. Assisted living communities are designed for seniors who need more help with activities of daily living.

Many of these communities offer a home-like environment, with individual residential units they can personalize, fun-filled activities, quality dining, etc.

Living in these communities prevents your loved one from being overwhelmed with caregiving responsibilities and provides you with a home-like environment with similarly-aged peers.

Age in Place with the Aid of Senior Helpers of the Metro East

If you rely on your children for some tasks or live with them, it could take a toll on them, risking their health and ruining your relationship. But most seniors need caregivers to age in place. Before you go for options that permanently take you out of the comfort of your home, consider the tips above.

Hiring in-home caregivers is the best alternative to having your adult children care for you. You get to live at home, follow your routine, socialize as you usually do, and receive the care and assistance you need.

If you live in Collinsville, Caseyville, Columbia, Maryville, or any other area in the Metro East, IL, region, Senior Helpers can provide trained caregivers to provide you with the care and assistance you need. We offer a comprehensive suite of non-medical care services, such as companion care, respite care, end-of-life support care, and chronic illness care.