These tips can help individuals who are caring for aging parents as an only child.
Being an only child has some perks. As a kid, you never had to experience sibling rivalry or fights, and you had the benefit of receiving all the love and attention of your parents. You may now discover, however, that caring for aging parents as an only child means it’s your turn to provide all of the care your parents need.
There are advantages to this as well. You are able to make all the necessary decisions without having to check with siblings. Additionally, you avoid the conflicts and elevated emotions that often manifest among siblings during the stress of looking after aging parents.
The drawback, however, is the fact that it is a significant responsibility to care for your parents on your own. These guidelines can help.
- Prepare early. The need for help in the home as your parents grow older is highly likely. So even if they’re active and healthy now, it’s a wise idea to begin to formulate a plan for their future care needs. Sit down together and have an honest and open conversation about their wishes. This discussion should include an assessment of finances and confirmation that all essential paperwork is in place: will, power of attorney, healthcare directive, etc.
- Bring in reinforcements. If you suspect your parents may need some help at home, it is smart to first schedule an appointment with the doctor to go over your concerns. A trusted professional can often have more of an influence on older loved ones and the need for intervention to ensure safety.
- Watch for signs. Keep an eye on your parents’ ability to take care of 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 warning signs of dangers such as cluttered rooms that could lead to a fall, scorch marks on pans that could indicate unattended cooking, etc.?
Once the need for help at home has been established, you will want to build a good network of support. Caring for aging parents is never something that should be undertaken solo. This can quickly lead to depression, caregiver burnout, and a host of other health complications.
How In-Home Care Can Help With Caring for Aging Parents as an Only Child
As an only child, partnering with Absolute Companion Care is an excellent way to maintain a healthy life balance while ensuring the needs of your parents are met. Our fully trained and experienced care professionals are here with just the right level of care your parents need, through services including:
- Companionship
- Fall prevention
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Medication reminders
- Meal planning and prep
- Help with baths/showers, getting dressed, and other personal care needs
- Transportation and errand-running
- Specialized dementia care
- And more
Contact us at 410-357-9640 and request a consultation. We can meet with you to listen to your concerns and work with you to create the solution you need. We are proud to serve families throughout Timonium, Cockeysville, Hunt Valley, and the surrounding areas. Visit our Service Area page to see if our award-winning home care services are available in your community.