Tips for Caring for Your Parents as an Only Child
At a certain point in life, a role-reversal takes place. Adult children begin looking after their aging parents. For those who are only children, this means taking on the responsibility of care entirely, including their parent’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
How to Handle Sole Caregiver Duties
It can be a challenge to know how to best care for your parents when you don’t have siblings to share the decision-making with. Here are some strategies for handling the big responsibility of sole-caregiving.
Communicate Early
Have an open dialogue with your parent or parents about what the future might look like for your family. If they’re already experiencing declining health, they may require surgeries, hospital stays, or rehabilitation down the line. What are their expectations for you when medical emergencies come up? Do they plan on aging in place at home or do they want to move in with you? Who do they want making decisions about their finances? It’s best to have these discussions before any potential issues take place.
Have an Organizational System
As a family caregiver, it can get confusing to manage your parents’ appointments while also keeping track of your own schedule. Consider creating a shared digital calendar with Mom and Dad to keep everyone in the loop about daily plans. Stay in touch with their medical team so that you have the latest updates about medical conditions and upcoming treatments. Keep information related to their health, finances, and other matters saved on a computer drive, along with a copy of their will.
Seek Support from Others
Despite being an only child, there are most likely other adults in your life who you can rely on when navigating this journey. Reach out to other family members, your parents’ friends, neighbors, or local senior groups for advice and support. Chances are, this support network will be willing to take on some of the tasks involved with care when you need a break. The Barrington Area Council on Aging is an excellent source for local older adults, as well as for family caregivers.
Know Your Limits
You’re only one person. It’s impossible to meet both yourself and your parents’ needs 24/7. Ask for help when you need it, and consider partnering with a home care agency like Visiting Angels Barrington for additional support. Respite Care services can be a lifesaver for burnt out family caregivers who need to temporarily step away from their duties.
Visiting Angels Barrington is Here to Help
Enlisting the help of a professional caregiver from Visiting Angels will allow you to free up time and energy to tend to your own obligations. Whether you could use respite care on a part-time basis or more full-time assistance for your senior loved one, we are here to help. Our experienced caregivers can provide support with hygiene, transportation to appointments, post-hospital recovery, medication reminders and management, meal prep, and much more.
Please reach out to Visiting Angels Barrington today for more information about our non-medical home care services or to set up a free consultation. Simply fill out our contact form or call us at 224-512-4180.