If you’re caregiving as an only child, you don’t have to go it alone.
Being an only child has its perks. During childhood, you never had to experience sibling rivalry or fights, and you had the benefit of getting all the attention and love of your parents. As an adult with no siblings, however, you may now find that it’s your turn to provide all the care and attention your parents need.
There are certainly advantages to caregiving as an only child as well. You can make all the essential decisions without having to consult with siblings. You also don’t have to worry about disagreements and heightened emotions that often arise among siblings due to the stress of caring for older parents.
The disadvantage, obviously, is that it’s an enormous responsibility to provide care for your parents all on your own. These pointers can help.
- Watch for signs. Keep an eye on your parents’ ability to handle everyday activities of living independently. Are they paying bills and balancing the checkbook? Is the home being cared for and kept clean? Are they maintaining personal hygiene? Are there any red flags of dangers such as cluttered rooms that could trigger a fall, scorch marks on pans that could indicate unattended cooking, etc.?
- Bring in reinforcements. If you suspect your parents may require some help in the home, it’s a good idea to first schedule a consultation with the doctor to go over your concerns. A trusted professional can often have more of an influence on older adults and the need for intervention to ensure safety.
- Prepare early. The need for help at home as your parents grow older is highly likely. So even if they are active and healthy now, it’s a smart idea to begin to formulate a plan for their future care needs. Sit down with your parents and have an open and honest talk about their wishes. This discussion should include an assessment of finances and confirmation that all important paperwork is in place: power of attorney, healthcare directive, will, etc.
Once the need for support at home has been established, you’ll want to build a good network of support. Caring for aging parents is not something that should be undertaken solo. This can quickly result in depression, caregiver burnout, and a host of other health complications.
How In-Home Care Can Help
As an only child, working with At-Home Care Company is an excellent way to maintain a healthy life balance while ensuring the needs of your senior parents are met. Our fully trained and experienced care professionals are here with just the right level of care your parents need, through services such as:
- Fall prevention
- Medication reminders
- Companionship
- Help with baths/showers, getting dressed, and other personal care needs
- Transportation and errand-running
- Specialized dementia care
- And more
Give us a call at 515-292-2650 or contact us online and request a consultation. We will listen to your concerns and work with you to formulate a solution that works for you and your loved ones. We are pleased to serve families throughout Nevada, Huxley, Ames, and the surrounding areas. Visit our Service Area page to see if our award-winning care services are available in your area.