Senior Care News

Being a Caregiver in River Oaks, TX when You Have a Family of Your Own

According to the American Society on Aging, one out of four U.S. households, approximately 22 million, is providing home care services to a relative or friend over the age of 50. About 40 percent of caregivers are raising children while caring for a loved one. If you fall into this category and are trying to be an effective caregiver for a loved one while raising a family of your own, the challenges can become tremendous.

One thing that you should ask yourself if this is you, is why you’re doing this? Why do you feel that it’s necessary or your obligation to be a caregiver to an elderly loved one when you have a family of your own?

Most people will generally state that they take on this role because they feel it’s their obligation. They might live close enough to their elderly loved one so that they believe that a short trip to visit them when they need help is no big deal. However, when you’re raising children and have other obligations, such as work, you will find that your time becomes even more valuable. You end up having more challenges trying to get everything done in a day.

When that happens, you can end up wearing yourself thin, getting sick more easily, and causing unnecessary stress to yourself and those that you care about most.

What should you do, then, if you have an elderly loved one, such as a parent, who requires a caregiver when you have a family of your own? First, you should understand that even though you may feel obligated, you’re not obligated to care for your parents or anyone other than your children. If you know that you wouldn’t be able to provide the level of care casino online that your mother or father needs, at least not without sacrificing time with your children, then you should consider hiring a professional home care provider instead.

Even though you may feel as though it’s an obligation, you should also accept the fact that unless you have experience being a caregiver to an elderly patient, you likely don’t have the knowledge that can make a positive difference in their life. You might also find that you lose patience with them more than you might if you were a professional caregiver.

It’s important that your loved one receive the best care, and when you have a family of your own, you might not be able to offer that level of care. In that situation, consider hiring a professional in home care provider for them and enjoy your time with your children.

If you have a loved one who could benefit from the help of home care services in River Oaks, TX contact the caregivers at At Your Side Home Care. We help seniors and their families with many levels of home care service. Call (832) 271-1600 for more information.

Donna Wrabel, LMSW

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