Home Safety: Knowing When it’s Time for Help
By Michele Blandino
The challenges facing the so-called “sandwich” generation – a term used to describe those finding themselves in the position of providing some sort of regular assistance to an elderly parent (or parents) while still tending to the needs of their own family – are significant.
In addition to simultaneously caring for their parents and children, those falling into this category also often find themselves worrying about their job security since it often becomes necessary to take more time away from work, often unexpectedly, to tend to things in their own home or at their parents’. There is also often a financial strain since many elderly people are actually outliving the balance in their retirement accounts.
Despite the challenges, many people in the “sandwich generation” are hesitant to ask for help. This is unfortunate because the reality is that the responsibility for caring for an elderly parent or parents in addition to their own growing family often proves to be overwhelming for most. For those that do decide that it is time for help, there are several companies that can provide affordable in-home care. It is important to understand that these types of companies typically do not offer medical assistance, rather, they complete non-medical tasks associated with the person’s well being such as preparing meals, light cleaning, and completing errands.
The Warning Signs
How do you know when it’s time for help? There are several indications. Here are a few things to look for:
- Meals – Is your parent regularly eating hot nutritious meals? If not, then they (and you) might benefit from the services of a care-giver.
- Free Time – Do you find that the time you spend with your elderly relative leaves you with little or no free time? If this is the case, then it is clearly time for help. While it is certainly not unreasonable to expect to have to occasionally forego a social event or other plans to tend to an aging parent, it should be the exception and not the rule.
- Increased Stress – Are you feeling overly stressed from the all of the demands being placed on you? When you find yourself becoming increasingly short-tempered and frustrated, it is time to ask for help.
The Benefits
In addition to removing some of the burden from your life, having the services of an in-home caregiver will enable you to spend more positive time with your elderly relative. Without the pressure of having to cook meals and tend to tasks such as cleaning and grocery shopping, the time you spend with your aging parent becomes more enjoyable.
For More Information:
There are a number national and regional agencies that provide in home care for the elderly. Here are a few:
