The Decision to Move Elderly Parents Into Your Home
Yamini and Shivam Sharma were going through many sleepless nights, anxious about Nandini, Yamini’s mother, who was living alone. They had seen her struggle a bit more than usual lately. Even though they visited every other day and helped her with household chores, stocking up the pantry and taking her out for a change, they didn’t feel good about her spending the night alone.
Nandini was suffering from Alzheimer’s, and the doctors had indicated that she was approaching the second stage of the disease. Concerned for her safety and well-being, Yamini and Shivam made the difficult decision that it would be safer and more convenient for Nandini to move in with them. Although they believed this move would alleviate their sleepless nights, they soon realized that the outcome differed from their expectations. But With the progression of Alzheimer’s, the idea of moving elderly parents into your home became not just a consideration but a necessity.
Adjusting to Elderly Parents Living With You
Initially, having Nandini live with them seemed like the best decision for everyone involved. However, the reality was more challenging than they had anticipated. They faced the reality of what it means when elderly parents are living with you. Things like switches in the microwave that Nandini kept forgetting and Yamini had to explain to her every other day, and leaving for the park without informing anyone got too frequent and eventually resulted in the couple getting a little irritated about the situation. It also made them question if their visits every other day was a better option to deal with the situation.
Dealing With the Challenges While Sharing House With Elderly Parent
Yamini and Shivam both were on the same page about how the decision to move in with elderly parent was not properly thought through and started affecting their personal as well as their work lives a lot more than they had imagined.
There were days when Shivam had to rush home from work because Nandini had forgotten her set of keys inside the house.
Preparing for an Elderly Parent Moving In
Dealing with elderly parents living with you is profound and complex. However, Shivam suggested that Yamini and he should get some suggestions about the best way to deal with the situation. They sought advice on how to prepare for an elderly parent moving in, which led to significant improvements in their lives.
Steps to Take When Preparing for an Elderly Parent to Move In
Some of the things Shivam and Yamini have started doing while sharing house with elderly parent
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Educate Yourself About Your Loved One’s Disease
Learn as much as you can about your loved one’s condition, whether it’s Alzheimer’s, dementia, mobility issues, or any other health concern. Understanding elderly parents’ needs and challenges will help you provide better care and support.
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Look Into The Resources Available In Your Area/ City- Assistance, Adult Daycare, And Respite Services
Explore options for respite care, where a professional caregiver takes over temporarily to give you a break. This can provide you with the opportunity to recharge and maintain your own physical and mental health.
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Ask For Help And Support From Friends And Family
Lean on friends, family, support groups, or counseling services to share your experiences, emotions, and challenges. Connecting with others who are going through the same journey can provide a sense of understanding and validation.
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Take A Break, And Find Time For Yourself
Caregiving can be demanding, so make sure to schedule regular breaks for yourself. Whether it’s a short walk, a hobby you enjoy, or spending time with friends, these moments of self-care are essential for your own well-being. Neglecting your own needs can also result in burnout.
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Accepting The Situation As It Is
Preparing for an elderly parent to move in involves more than just physical adjustments to your home. Be patient and understanding as your loved one adjusts to their new living situation. Prepare for elderly parents to move in and make any necessary modifications to accommodate their needs, such as installing handrails, removing trip hazards, and organizing essential items within easy reach.
Remember that every caregiving situation is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Be open to adjusting your approach and seeking help whenever needed.
The Rewarding Journey of Caregiving: Pros and Cons of Having a Parent Live With You
While caregiving can be an extremely gratifying experience, it can also be stressful. Recognizing what you need and reaching out can be extremely helpful in dealing with these circumstances. After learning about the needs of their loved one, acceptance of the situation, and taking time out for themselves individually and their relationship, Yamini and Shivam were able to adjust a lot better.
