Have you ever felt guilty for doing something, even though you know it was the right thing? Every single one of us has felt that emotion at some point in our lives. For adult children, as their parents get older, that feeling of guilt may surround discussions of home care options.
When your parents age, become seniors, move into their 80s and beyond, there is going to come a time when you may need to talk about home care. That doesn’t mean you don’t care about them anymore; that’s often the misconception people have.
It’s easy to assume that since you’re talking about somebody else taking care of them that you simply don’t care enough. It’s important not to fall into that trap. And it is a trap. One that can keep you hooked for years.
Why discuss home care options with aging parents?
Your mother or father (one or both), a step-parent, or others you care about who or aging may be perfectly healthy right now. They may have no trouble getting up from a chair, walking up and down stairs, or even driving to the store. They may be fine well through their 70s and 80s.
However, the natural process of aging means it becomes more difficult to maintain muscle and strength. That means, as time marches on, those same elderly men and women will eventually have difficulty with some activities of daily life, should they live long enough to face those challenges.
Even though your mother and father are perfectly healthy right now, that doesn’t mean you should ignore the topic of home care. Home care is an option that allows aging men and women the option of staying in their home, where they are most likely comfortable as opposed to some facility-style care.
What happens when you feel guilty?
This usually happens when an aging parent or other loved one clearly needs support right now and they’re expecting you to give it to them. When you start talking about in-home care or other options, they get defensive or mad. They may even stop talking to you.
They’re afraid of the unknown. They don’t have a clue how the future is going to pan out for them. What they do know is they’re mortal and they begin to feel that mortality more acutely, especially as they grapple with health issues and diminishing mobility.
How can you overcome this guilt?
Ignore it. When you know, in your heart, without a doubt that you are doing the right thing by talking about in-home care options, even if they don’t need it or choose it right now, then there is nothing to feel guilty about.
Even if you live in the same town but have other responsibilities, like raising children, focusing on your career, and so forth, you are not required to provide the support your mother or father needs. Don’t feel guilty if you can’t or simply don’t want that to interfere with the good relationship you’ve had with them all these years. In-home care is a phone call away. Agencies are ready to help.
If you are considering home care in Sugar Land, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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