If your aging loved one has been experiencing challenges or health issues that are making it more difficult for them to live completely independently, you may be considering becoming their family caregiver. This is a meaningful and nurturing role that holds tremendous value for your senior and for you. Despite the benefit, it is important to acknowledge that accepting the role of being a caregiver is a major decision that will impact you, your partner, your children, and all other aspects of your life. This acknowledgement allows you to make plans to fill any care gaps that may arise. For many people preparing to be a caregiver, these limitations are largely emotional in nature. The emotional limitations can make this experience more stressful, reduce your ability to care effectively, and potentially damage your relationship with your parent if not handled effectively.

Some of the emotional limitations you may face as you prepare to become a family caregiver include:

• Tension in your relationship with your aging parent that may stem from past hurts and disappointment
• Resistance from your aging parent to your care, and your feeling that you do not have the patience to deal with this resistance
• Discomfort with providing care for your elderly parent when they are in need of assistance with personal or sensitive needs, such as bathing or toileting
• Not feeling confident making care decisions for your senior, or feeling as though you do not have what it takes to organize care and manage your senior’s needs effectively
• Depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues that can impact your functioning and your perspective
• Difficulty accepting the challenges that your parent is facing, or the changes that they have undergone as they have aged. This can be particularly difficult if your senior is dealing with an issue that dramatically changes their personality or behavior, such as cognitive functioning decline or dementia

Being a family caregiver for your elderly parent is a big part of your life, but it doesn’t take away all other aspects of your life. Being the best you can be for your aging parent, and fulfilling your role for all others who rely on you, means learning to balance your responsibilities, and one of the best ways you can do this is with home care. An in-home senior care services provider acts as a valuable source of support that supplements the care you give and allows you to put energy and attention on other elements of your life as well. This means you can be there for your children, stay connected to your partner, continue to pursue your career, maintain your interests, and take care of your own needs as they age in place.

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in Dulles, VA, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands today. (703) 982-0050.