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Are You Physically Capable of Handling Your Loved One's Care?

Home Care in Duluth GA

Making the decision to become a family caregiver for your elderly loved one is not something that you should take lightly. No matter how dedicated you are to making sure that your aging parent gets the level of care that they need, you must determine if you truly have the capability to give your parent that care. Being honest with yourself about any limitations that you have can help you to prevent serious situations that might cause danger to your aging parent or to you.

Some things that you should consider when determining if you are physically capable of handling your senior's care include:

  • Energy. Being a caregiver requires a tremendous amount of energy. This is especially true if you are a member of the sandwich generation caring for both your aging parent and your children. If you do not have much energy or suffering from a health condition that causes fatigue, you may not be able to safely and effectively keep up with the tasks that you need to complete each day.
  • Strength. If your aging parent suffers from mobility issues, balance problems, low vision, pain, and stiffness, or other issues that make them unstable or unsure about moving, they may need assistance. This could include help walking, moving around the house, getting into and out of chairs, bed, cars, or the shower, and other movement assistance. If you do not have an adequate degree of strength, you could end up injured, or could drop your parent, putting them at risk of injury.
  • Flexibility. Giving your aging parent physical assistance to move around the home or handle tasks is not just about being strong enough to support them. You must also keep in mind that you must move your own body while helping your senior. This includes needing to be flexible enough to move, twist, bend, and respond to your parent's movements and needs quickly. Without this flexibility you may not be able to handle these movements effectively or safely, possibly putting yourself at risk of injury and limiting your ability to help your parent in the ways that they need.
  • Immunity. Aging adults are more vulnerable to illness and infection than younger people. If you also tend to be ill or develop infections easily, you could put your parent at risk. Being sick frequently also means that you may not be able to be with your parent as often as they need you to be.

If you find that you are facing physical challenges and limitations that keep you from being able to give your aging loved one the level of care that they need and deserve, home care may be the idea solution. An in-home senior care services provider can be with your elderly parent to create a personalized approach to care tailored to their individual needs, challenges, and limitations in a way that helps them to stay safe, healthy, and comfortable while also encouraging them to do as much for themselves as possible. This will help them to live the quality of life that they deserve while giving you confidence that they are in good hands even if you are not able to be with them.

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