Staying close even if you live away
Caring for an ageing parent is a journey that demands love, dedication, and compassion. As our loved ones grow older, their mental health and physical health may require more attention and care.
One of the most common phrases we hear when we first engage with enquiring children of parents requiring support is “I just want to go back to being their daughter/son”.
Caring for a parent, as they age, we find that their needs for support increase which can all too often see children, and other family members, slipping further into the role of carer rather than spend time together as a family.
In this blog, we will explore the significance of providing care and support for older adults while keeping their mental and physical wellbeing at the forefront. We explore alternative options for those that do not wish to move into a care home, advice seeking financial support and details of what long-term day-to-day elderly care involves.
Homecare is the preferred option
While moving into a care home, or an assisted living property, might be suitable for some older adults, it may not be the preferred option for everyone. Many older adults cherish the familiarity of their home and their independence. Homecare services, like those provided by us here at Great Park Homecare, offer a viable alternative, allowing older adults to age in the comfort of their own homes while receiving personalised care and attention.
Financial Support
Caring for a parent can come with financial challenges, especially if specialised care is needed. However, various financial support options are available to help families shoulder the cost of elderly care. Exploring funding from the local authority or other charitable organisations can make homecare services more accessible and affordable. Find out more with Age UK’s Paying for homecare information page.
All clients have exclusive access to our Trusted Partner Network for peace of mind to further manage their house, finance and wellbeing.
Providing Day-to-Day Care and Support
Day-to-day care and support form the backbone of caring for an ageing parent. Assisting with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management are essential tasks that promote their comfort and independence. Engaging in conversation, active listening, and offering companionship are simple yet powerful ways to make a significant impact on their mental wellbeing.
Age UK reports that there are currently over 12 million people aged 65 and over in the UK, the need for elderly care has become increasingly important.
Living Locally
When caring for an elderly parent, if children live locally, regular undertaking of chores such as shopping, cooking, medical matters and household maintenance can severely impact their own family life. The emotional toll of witnessing their parents’ decline can spill over into interactions with their spouse and children, creating a challenging atmosphere at home.
The role reversal from child to caregiver can also lead to tension and stress in family dynamics. Balancing a career with caregiving responsibilities can be overwhelming, and the strain might negatively affect job performance, further impacting their financial stability and overall well-being.
Moreover, disagreements about caregiving responsibilities within siblings can strain relationships, complicating an already challenging situation. To mitigate the impact on their own family life, open and honest communication among family members is crucial. Seeking support from other family members or professional care services can help lighten the burden.
We provide home health care services in Windsor, Old Windsor, Ascot and surrounding areas including Binfiel, Bray, Datchet, Dorney, Englefield Green, Eton, Eton Wick, Great Park, Holyport, Maidenhead, Sunningdale, Sunninghill, Virginia Water, Warfield, Winkfield, Windsor and Wraysbury.
Living Away
When adult children live far away from their ageing parents, visits back home become precious opportunities to reconnect and spend quality time together. However, the practicalities of caregiving can often take precedence over enjoying meaningful family experiences. Instead of cherishing these moments, visits can turn into a list of ‘to do’ items, revolving around tasks and chores for the parents’ well-being.
During limited visitation time, adult children may find themselves focusing on tasks like house cleaning, medical appointments, and organising medications, leaving little room for leisure or bonding. While these responsibilities are essential for their parents’ care, the emotional aspect of family time can get overshadowed by the demands of caregiving.
Moreover, the burden of seeing parents struggling with daily activities can evoke feelings of helplessness and guilt, especially when physical distance limits the children’s ability to provide regular support. This can create a sense of emotional distance during the visits, making it difficult to connect authentically as a family.
Are you someone’s sole carer? Read our blog on how being supported can give you relief by offering a break (respite) from caring, allowing you to take care of your own well-being.
Support from Great Park Homecare
Whether you are living home or away, a personally tailored support plan from Great Park Homecare, can ensure that the day-to-day needs are taken care of by our well-matched and trained carers, leaving family members free to share in quality time with their loved ones when they are together.
Rather than asking “what did you have for lunch?” A child can see what their parent has eaten or done during the day and engage in a rounder conversation. Often families tell us how just this small feature has improved their relationships.
We offer a range of services including live-in care, personal care, companionship, household and domestic and more. Full details can be found here.
To find out more about how we can help with your specific needs, call our friendly Care Management Team to discuss your care options and arrange a no-obligation, no-charge home assessment.
Are you caring for a parent, please Get in Touch today to find out how Great Park Homecare can help, or give us a call on +44 (0) 1753 369088. Whatever your care experience, we can offer full support.
