When a loved one needs greater help getting through each day, putting your life on hold is a common reaction that many family members have. They want to show that they love their parents and provide all of that care themselves. Unfortunately, this is not always the best option. While it can be an outward expression of love to want to do this, it’s not always the most effective or realistic task. In fact, putting life on hold might seem like a good idea at first, but in some cases it can actually be counterproductive.
One big reason why people are likely to want to provide care for a loved one themselves instead of hiring professional help is for financial reasons. The thought goes that professional senior care is too expensive to pay for and providing it yourself can help you to save money. This is true, but only on the surface level. When things like opportunity cost or missed professional obligations come into play, the cost of senior care tends to be much less than what is sacrificed. Studies have shown that for most individuals it’s actually cheaper to hire professional care than it is to provide it yourself. It allows you to keep your job while your parent is being cared for.
A second reason why this doesn’t always work is because of the needs of your mom or dad. Sometimes, they can be much more severe than what we as individuals are capable of addressing. Having a professional level of care can help to overcome this. Although wanting to do it all on our own is admirable, not everyone has the skill or background to do so safely.
Luckily, this is not your only option. While many individuals do put their life on hold to care for a loved one, there are alternatives. This is where services like ours can be a help to you and your family. In-home care is designed to let the family continue to take the lead when it comes to senior care, but adds a bit of flexibility into the mix for you. For example, while you are at work an in-home caregiver can be in the house with your elderly parent ensuring that they’re safe. When you get home, you can resume your duties.
Anyone with kids knows that there is a certain feeling of guilt when you go back to work after they are born. You want to be with them every moment, but you also have other obligations that need to be met. Without working, there is no way to pay the bills and no way to chase your professional aspirations. Although it’s different, acting as a caregiver to an elderly loved one is similar. You have goals and obligations. Using the help of an in-home caregiver can help you to achieve and accomplish those things, all while still being a loving member of the family.
We can help walk you through the process. Even if you decide that this isn’t needed yet, knowing how a care service can help can ease your burden in the future. Give us a call or email to learn how in-home care can help.
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