Consider These Situations When Caring for a Parent at Home

By Andy Niska | August 23, 2018 |

Your dad needs care. He hates the idea of assisted living. He’s certain he doesn’t want a stranger in his house and will not discuss full-time caregivers. He asks you to step in and help him with the activities he cannot do on his own. You’re considering it.

Caregiver in Spokane WA: Considerations to Make Before Caring for a Parent

Before you agree to provide your dad’s care, make sure you know what to expect. There are things that people often fail to think about. Take time to consider these situations.

It’s Unlikely You’ll Get Paid.

Payment for being your parent’s caregiver is unlikely. You might qualify for tax credits if your dad moves in with you. Some states allow caregivers to collect some pay. It’s not a guarantee, however. You might find yourself going unpaid. Can you afford it?

It’s Mentally and Physically Challenging.

Your dad may not be thrilled having you telling him what he needs to get done. He might take out anger and frustration on you through harsh words and even physical abuse like pushing or hitting. If he needs you to lift him, are you physically strong enough?

It’s also mentally challenging. You have to come up with ways to get your dad to do things he doesn’t want to do. You’ll feel guilty for telling white lies to get your dad to get into the car, take a shower, or change his clothes. You’re heartbroken seeing your dad’s health and stamina changing.

It Can Affect Your Relationships.

Your husband wants to go out for a romantic evening, but your dad needs you. Your kids want to go to the beach for the day. You’d love to, but you’d have to bring your dad, who hates the beach. Your friends want to see a movie, but you have to pass because you’re too busy.

Family caregivers often let personal relationships slide while they care for a parent. You understand the sacrifices you make, but your friends may not be as understanding. After weeks and months of being blown off, they may stop calling. Over time, it’s easy for relationships to dwindle and disappear.

You Can’t Have a Sick Day Without Help.

You wake up and feel horrible. You’re nauseous, tired, and hot. If you don’t go to your dad’s house and provide his elder care services, he’ll be all alone. He can’t be all alone. You have to handle caregiver duties while sick.

The only way around this is by having someone who can fill in for you. Respite care is hard when the rest of your family works. You should talk to a home care agency about caregivers and respite care. When you’re sick or need a break for some other reason, caregivers come to your dad’s home and take over for a day or two.

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregiver services in Spokane, WA, please contact the friendly staff at Love at Home Senior Care, today. Call (509) 204-4088

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Andy Niska

Owner at Love In Home Senior Care

Andy has over 20+ years experience in the medical community and has a true compassion for seniors. With a degree in Health Care Administration, he developed a background in a variety of health care services that only comes from first hand experience. While working as a manager of a large clinic and as an account executive for medical suppliers. Andy has built valuable relationships with the medical community.

His role in Love In Home Senior Care is to educate people on what care choice is the best fit for the senior and their family while attempting to make this decision as stress-free as possible for everyone involved.

This decision making process should be smooth and stress free for everyone, including all family members and their loved ones. Having access to people with experience (like the team at Love In Home Senior Care) to assist you along the way can help this process. With an extensive background in health care, Andy has the experience needed to guide and direct your loved one to the choice that is the best fit.