Relationships within families can sometimes be tense. You may one day be faced with caring for an elderly parent who wasn’t the most loving individual when you were growing up. However, if this situation arises for you, there are steps you can take to do the right thing despite past grievances.
Acknowledge Your Past & Make Peace
If your loved one wasn’t or isn’t very caring toward you, it’s okay to acknowledge it. Too often adult children blame themselves for their parents’ actions during their childhood. Acknowledging your loved one wasn’t very caring and that you aren’t to blame can be a big step toward acceptance. Seeing a therapist can help you make peace with your past and forgive your loved one for parenting mistakes and can give you the strength you need to care for him or her now.
Though it may be difficult to ignore the past, focusing on the present and meeting your loved one’s care needs may help strengthen the relationship. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide Home Care. Portland families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
Caring Doesn’t Mean Coddling
Caring for your loved one doesn’t mean he or she needs to be coddled or you need to answer to his or her every demand. Providing care for your loved one means responsibly addressing his or her needs, which may include help with cleaning, cooking, bathing, medication reminders, and much more. Sometimes elderly parents can be very demanding. Always remember to remain calm and rise above your loved one’s actions to provide the necessary care.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful resource. When considering in-home care, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.
Remember the Example You’re Setting
Your children are likely learning from your example of selfless service. With your actions, you’re showing them they can be kind and caring toward others, even if the person they care for has been unkind to them. Teaching your children and grandchildren to put family first is an important lesson best taught through actions.
Explore Other Caregiving Options
If it’s difficult for you to care for your loved one every day or you cannot put the past behind you, consider exploring other caregiving options. Hiring a professional caregiver to help your loved one still shows you care, even if it’s too overwhelming for you to do the caregiving yourself. There are a variety of different care services that can be tailored to fit your loved one’s needs and your budget. Though it may be difficult to ignore the past, focusing on the present and meeting your loved one’s care needs may strengthen the relationship.
Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide senior care. Portland families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your loved one, call us today.
