If you have been the caregiver for your parent and are beginning to wonder if perhaps your parent should move in with you, you’ll want to take some time first to consider some important questions.
There can be wonderful opportunities of having an aging parent live with you, but you also need to consider if the move is not only best for your parent, but also for your family. Here are some good areas to evaluate and discuss with your loved ones before you pack up your parent’s belongings and move him in with you permanently.
Relationships
How is your relationship with your parent? Is it healthy or has it always bordered on toxic or codependent? While living together can definitely fix some old hurts, it can also exacerbate some unhealthy habits. While looking into relationships, also explore your relationships with all of your family. Is everyone on board with having your parent move in? If not, why not? Everyone should be comfortable to freely express their concerns or worries before your parent moves in with you. While you are the primary caregiver, if your parent moves in with you, your spouse, and your children, you all take on that caregiver role in some way.
Finances
While moving your parent in with you may help financially in that you and your parent will be sharing expenses, set up some finance guidelines before your parent is moved in. If you hope to have him help pay mortgage or purchase his own food and prescriptions, make that clear. You might find with him moving in, you have to change or reduce your work schedule, plan on that as you make your budget as well.
Space
Not only do you need to have enough physical space in your home for your parent to live comfortably with you, but you’ll also want to make sure your home is safe for your parent. If you have staircases in your home, you’ll need to put handrails up for each staircase. If tripping is a concern, you may need to talk to family members about keeping the floors picked up and items put away a lot more consistently than they have been doing.
Personal Care
As your parent continues to age, it’s likely that the tasks he’ll need help with will continue to increase. Are you comfortable with knowing you may have to help him bathe or use the bathroom facilities? If medical needs increase, will you be able to make sure he takes his medication and/or follows up on physical therapy treatments? You can also look at having someone come into your home to help with some of these tasks, such as a home care provider.
Your Mental Health
Being a caregiver 24/7 is hard work and can be exhausting. Talk with your family about how you’ll still build in boundaries as well as places to find relief when needed. If you don’t care of yourself well, you will not be able to care for those around you well.
If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in San Diego, CA, please contact the caring staff at Innovative Healthcare Consultants today. Call us at (760) 731-1334.
Home Care San in Diego, CA by Innovative Healthcare Consultants 