Home Health Care: Are Your Dad's Care Needs Beyond Your Abilities?
Home Health Care: Alzheimer's disease is a chronic health condition affecting more than six million Americans.
It's also one of the most challenging diseases for family caregivers to handle. It's physically and mentally exhausting when you're the only one helping your parent. Your dad's home health care needs are increasing, and you don't know what to do. It's time to ask yourself these questions.
Home Health Care in Greenville DE: Care Needs
What Care Does He Need?
What has changed in your dad's life that requires him to ask you to help out? Sometimes, the little things are easy to fit in. If he just needs someone to help him on laundry days, that's not overwhelming. If he has dementia and it's worsening, he will need a growing amount of care.
It's essential to look at the care he needs now. Weigh his future care needs. Compare those to the free time you have each week.
Do You Have the Time?
What is already on your plate? Do you work, have a family at home, and have interests that keep you engaged and active? If you're caring for your dad throughout the week, you may have to give something up.
You need the money, so you can't quit your job or reduce your hours. Your family needs you, so the time you spend with them is not negotiable. That leaves your personal interests and hobbies. What happens to your emotional and mental health if you stop taking care of yourself?
Is Anyone Else Willing to Help Out?
Only children don't have the luxury of reaching out to siblings to help out. They may have cousins and close family friends they can ask. If you have siblings, you should ask them to help out. The bulk of your dad's care shouldn't fall solely to you.
How Much Energy Do You Have to Invest?
Having enough time to help him is one thing. You also need to have the energy. You're working a full-time job and coming home to housework and meal preparation. How long can you keep that up before you're burned out?
If you are already juggling a job, a family, and your home's upkeep, you may not have enough energy left to help your dad with as much as he needs. It's okay to admit you cannot take on all of his care. Reach out to others for assistance.
It's okay to admit you can't offer your dad the care he needs. When he cannot be left alone during the day or night, 24-hour home care services are a game-changer. Have caregivers working in shifts to ensure your dad is supported all day and all night. Call a 24-hour home care specialist to schedule services.