Caregiving rarely starts as a full time position. Instead, it starts slowly. You do one thing. And then another. And before you know it, you’re caring for your parents’ every day.
You stop by in the morning to ensure they take their proper medication. You repeatedly call to ensure they are okay. You take time off for doctor visits. You spend more time at their house then your own home.
Until one day you start to ask yourself why.
That’s when many people find themselves prepared to quit their jobs, forgo income and advancement opportunities, to ensure their parents needs are met.
It’s exhausting caring for an ailing parent. If it’s both, it’s double the concern. You struggle to try to fit it all in. You wonder where to draw the line. But before you hand in your resignation, we suggest you do these three things.
1. Have a conversation with your parents
Do your parents know you’re thinking of giving up your full time job for caregiving? Sometimes the shock of learning your thoughts can help them make changes in their own lives. They might be more accepting of bringing in part-time or full-time help.
This conversation should be open and inviting. Stress that this is a dialogue to help everyone understand opinions and preferences. This is a conversation to ensure their needs are met. To evaluate their overall health, your concern, and deciding what’s next.
You might outline what help you currently give and how much time it’s taking out of your life. Sometimes seeing it on paper can change everything.
2. Look at all your options
We all hear the horror stories of caregiving wiping a family out financially. When caregiving tasks go on for years, it can be a full-time job looking for ways to cover it all.
Yet many think their only options are nursing facilities or going it on your own. In reality, there are many different ways to ensure your loved ones get the best care possible. Nursing homes, in general, are not covered by Medicare. Medicaid benefits can kick in for some eligible patients. Before tackling serious decisions, it’s best to get all of your questions answered first.
3. In-home care is often the best solution
More families are turning to in-home care as the best solution.
- It allows your parents to stay safely in their home while getting the professional services they need.
- It allows a personalized approach to medicine, where you hire only the professional services your loved ones truly need.
- It creates a patient-centered plan for all care and assistance. The focus is on them, not on what’s best for the facility.
- It helps get rid of guilt by both sides. Parents won’t feel guilty their kids have to quit their jobs, and kids won’t feel guilty about leaving their parents at home.
- It gives you peace of mind. It eliminates stress, and ensures your parents are safe while you’re away.
Are you ready to explore in-home care?