Three Things No One Tells Family Caregivers to Expect But They Should Know

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Whether you’re considering caring for an elderly parent or you’re just getting started, there are things you must know. If you’re prepared for these issues, it’s easier to stop them before they become problematic.

Elderly Care New Providence NJ - Three Things No One Tells Family Caregivers to Expect But They Should Know

Elderly Care New Providence NJ – Three Things No One Tells Family Caregivers to Expect But They Should Know

Parents Don’t Always Cooperate

Decades of living independently and raising kids have your parents very set in their ways. They like things done their way and at their pace. If you’re trying to urge them to take their medications before they want to, they push back.

You’re hurt because you care and that’s why you’re there to help. They’re hurt that you’re trying to “parent” them, but they’re adults who feel they can care for themselves. You’re going to have these struggles, and they can be hard on the emotions. You have to shut out the criticism or harsh words and keep pushing through.

Without Self-Care It’s Lonely

Being a family caregiver gets very lonely. Your friends may grow tired of you always helping your parents out each day. They move on while you’re focused on your mom and dad. You may find that by the time you’re done helping for the day, you don’t have the energy to do things your friends want to do.

After a full day of housekeeping, medication reminders, laundry, meal preparation, and assistance with personal care and grooming, you don’t want to go out to a pub for drinks. You fear a movie would have you falling asleep in the theater.

You do need to find ways to take breaks and spend time with your friends. You can’t let your own needs for socialization and nights out slip away. Respite care becomes an essential service to ensure you’re able to go out once in a while.

It’s Up to You to Set Limits

You have to set limits. If your parents or siblings are piling on more and more tasks to your daily list, you risk burning out. You’ll be tired, irritated, and resentful. You can’t let that resentment build up. It will cause problems with family relationships, and they may be impossible to ignore.

You’re doing all the cooking, cleaning, errand-running, and help with personal care. Your siblings stop by once a week for a chat and expect you to serve them coffee. They don’t help out at all. They may not stop by at all and leave everything to you.

As you start shutting others out because they demand a lot and rarely help out, your support circle shrinks. You risk dealing with anxiety and depression. Hire elderly care services to make sure you have time for yourself. If you’re taking on too much, you need time to step away and elderly care provides that chance.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Elderly Care Services in New Providence NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

Susan Myer, RN, BSN, CCRN, CDP