Organising care for your loved one is about getting what’s best for them but there can be a number of benefits for you too.
When your elderly loved one is struggling to cope and needs help to remain in their own home the use of live-in care benefits physical and mental well-being. Even though their needs and requirements are obviously paramount in any arrangements you make, don’t overlook the advantages and benefits that it can bring you by relieving the pressure of caring for your elderly parent and providing peace of mind when you can’t be there for them.
How families can benefit
It can be hard for families who may be in the position of having to care for elderly relatives while still perhaps holding down a full-time and challenging job, caring for children or simply being unable to get on with their own lives due to the demands of an elderly person who needs round the clock care.
When you share care with professional carers there is peace of mind knowing that your loved one is being looked after to a high standard while still maintaining their independence in their own home. This takes the pressure of you and enables you to enjoy rest and recuperation time, which is one of the best coping strategies for family caregivers. But it also provides companionship outside the family for the elderly person being cared for. This is often beneficial to their well-being as many older people dislike the role reversal where child becomes carer to the parent.
Still side by side
One of the worst things about sending an elderly relative to live in a residential care home or hospital is the fact that you don’t get to see them as often as you would like. However when there is live-in care you have the satisfaction of knowing they are happy in their own home, with their own things and even pets around them and you can be there for them as often as you like.
No disruptions
When an elderly person has to leave the home they may have known and loved for many years the unhappiness and depression that this can cause can adversely affect their health as well as the health and happiness of other family members. The disruption to a long-established and cherished lifestyle to both you and your elderly loved one is avoided when you opt for live-in care.
Carers ease the burden of caring
Caring for an elderly person can at times be difficult and stressful particularly if there is ill-health, mobility problems or dementia. Many people are understandably worried about how best to offer care and in some cases the strain can be overwhelming. If your loved one has reached the stage where they are finding it difficult to take care of themselves whether that involves making meals, washing and dressing or getting around, the worry and stress can be instantly taken away with professional live-in care.
Maintain good relationships
In many cases the relationship between carers and their charges blossoms into lasting friendship over time with bonds of mutual trust and respect which can improve the quality of life of your loved one and in doing so supports good relationships between family members.
