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Primary Family Caregivers and The Family Unit

Homecare Sharon MA-Research has shown that 80 percent of all homecare for elders in the United States is provided by family members. It’s well documented that being the primary family caregiver can take its toll physically, mentally and emotionally.
Homecare Sharon MA

Homecare Sharon MA

Homecare Sharon MAResearch has shown that 80 percent of all homecare for elders in the United States is provided by family members. It’s well documented that being the primary family caregiver can take its toll physically, mentally and emotionally. What is not taken into account so readily is the effect this has on their spouse and children.

It’s easy to jump right in and start doing what needs to be done when a family member is in need of support. A certain personality type is more prone to taking this type of action. What can be lost in the whirl of activity are the family members that have relied on you before you found yourself in this position. Your kids may have been use to having their mom home when they got home from school. Your spouse and kids may have been use to having a sit-down family dinner most nights. Now the family is feeling a sense of abandonment.

They see, however, how hard you’re working and so the feelings go unspoken. The issue lies unresolved because they do not want to add to your existing burden. Watching your moods change from optimistic to borderline depression only serves to reinforce their desire to not add to your discontent.

Addressing the Issue

Disrupting your family will, in the long run, create remorse and guilt—two emotions worth keeping at arm’s length. Let the smoke clear. Once you can see plainly, put a care giving plan together that covers daily activities and extra events such as transportation and social outings. Assemble family members and friends willing to support the cause. If an individual lives too far away to attend, consider having them join via one of the online video chat applications. Then, start delegating. Make sure when the task is complete that you’ve scheduled yourself enough “time off” to lead a balanced life and maintain a healthy, loving relationship with your family at home.

Missing Pieces

If you and your support group find hours or days on the schedule that need to be filled, consider the aid of a senior homecare provider. They are professionally trained to help with all the daily activities of living including meal preparation, light housekeeping, bathing and dressing, as well as grocery shopping. In addition, they provide transportation to social functions and other activities. And of even greater value, senior homecare providers offer companionship at a time when your parent desperately needs it. Let them fill in the gaps, leaving everyone with a satisfied feeling that your parent is in good hands when not in the hands of family and friends.

Resources:  Michigan Family Review; Family Health and Caring for Elderly Parents; Rosemary Ziemba; 07(1) 2002

If you or an aging loved one are considering Homecare Services in Sharon MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.

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