Can You Take Care of Elderly Parents at Home?

Caring for senior parents is a noble endeavor that many children take on as a labor of love. However, this isn’t always the easiest task in the world, and can present a unique set of challenges that can be difficult to address without professional support. So can you take care of senior parents at home?

While it’s possible to take care of elderly parents at home, it’s crucial to be prepared for the endeavor. Caregiving requires significant physical, emotional, logistical, and financial resources that can be overwhelming. Fortunately, senior living communities offer a wonderful way to make sure your loved one gets the care they need, all in a comfortable and supportive environment that feels like home.

Physical Challenges of At-Home Care

Age can sometimes lead to changes in your loved one’s mobility and flexibility. It may become more difficult to bend over to pick something up or to safely go up and down the stairs. Some of these changes may be minor, while others can pose a significant threat to your loved one’s safety.

As a caregiver, you need to make sure that your loved one is safe in their own home. You’ll need to make some adjustments to your living space, and ensure that you:

Remove all tripping hazards, like rugs and clutter
Install grab bars in bathrooms and near stairs
Ensure good lighting throughout the home
Use non-slip mats in the kitchen and bathroom
Arrange frequently used items within easy reach
Rearrange furniture to make seating more accessible

You’ll also need to make sure your loved one can safely navigate their environment. Mobility aids such as canes, walkers, motorized chairs, and even lifts can make the world much more accessible to your loved one. These thorough steps make it much easier to keep your loved one safe in their own home.

Emotional Challenges of At-Home Care

For many caregivers, burnout is a significant problem. Stress is a constant companion for caregivers, as caregiving is a full-time job on its own. It can be difficult to balance your loved one’s needs with your own, and it’s easy to put your own needs aside—at least at first. However, doing so can quickly lead to a spiral of constantly neglecting your own well-being.

If you start to feel like you’re constantly exhausted, or like there isn’t enough time in the day, you’re starting to burn out. It’s crucial to address this problem as soon as you can and reach out for help; burnout can easily lead to long-term problems with your own health while affecting the quality of care you’re capable of providing.

Logistical Challenges of At-Home Care

Caregiving isn’t just about love and effort—it requires a great deal of planning to make sure your loved one is well taken care of. You need to constantly remember to:

Plan ahead for your finances
Coordinate medical appointments
Arrange therapy sessions (both physical and emotional)
Schedule daily activities
Administer any required medication
Monitor any changes in health status
Organize transportation for outings or appointments
Arrange transportation

All of these logistical tasks can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you have any other responsibilities. Establishing a clear routine can significantly reduce this burden, helping you avoid the daily disruption to your own schedule.

How Senior Living Can Help

Though caregiving is rewarding, it isn’t the easiest task. Fortunately, senior living communities offer an excellent answer to the constant demands of caregiving, giving your loved one a home that truly knows how to meet their unique needs.

A caregiver and a senior woman walking in front of a window with their arms linked in a senior living community. These communities prioritize providing a supportive environment where your loved one can receive the care they need, all while maintaining a strong sense of independence and autonomy. Your loved one can receive quality care every day while a team of professional caregivers makes sure their needs are met.

In senior living, your loved one gets access to:

Assistance with daily activities, including bathing, dressing, and grooming
Regular health monitoring and medication management
Nutritious meals prepared on-site
Transportation services for medical appointments and outings
Social activities and events to encourage engagement and community
Emergency response systems for added safety

Whether your loved one needs help with housekeeping, social support, or their medication, senior living communities like Sommerset Neighborhood can help. Transitioning to a stable community is an excellent decision that provides a place where your loved one can thrive, all in a comfortable, supportive, and loving environment.

Find Peace of Mind

While being a caregiver for your parents can be rewarding, that doesn’t mean it’s free from challenges. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through this alone—not when our team at Sommerset Neighborhood can help.

Our team understands the challenges involved with caregiving, and we’re ready to step in and help your loved one maintain their quality of life. We’re here to help you and your family, so book a tour with our community today. Peace of mind awaits—your loved one is in good care with us.