Considering moving an elderly parent into the home is a tough decision that should never be rushed. Although an adult child may feel equipped to handle the new responsibilities, stress can pile up quickly. Adult children must understand the advantages and disadvantages before they take the plunge and make the move.
Why Do Elderly Parents Need Assistance?
Many seniors do not like to admit they need help. Do not be surprised if they shy away from wanting assistance. Remaining independent is important to most people. Unfortunately, declines in health and cognitive function can take a toll on seniors and make it unsafe for them to live alone. When safety and health issues arise, adult children will need to make the challenging decision to move their parents in or seek a senior living community. Consider the reasons elderly parents may need daily care.
- They were diagnosed with a serious health condition that requires monitoring.
- The elderly parent has multiple health issues that are becoming increasingly challenging to manage.
- They frequently need to visit the doctor or emergency room.
- The aging parent is suffering from frequent falls and injuries.
- The senior needs assistance to get out of the house and spends much of their time alone.
- They forget to take medications and miss doctor’s appointments regularly.
Adult children who have noticed the signs above need to consider the senior living options. Would it be more prudent to bring them home with you or place them in a community that can provide extensive care for their conditions?
Pros and Cons of Moving Elderly Parents Into the Home
Most adult children want to give back to their elderly parents and feel obligated to bring them home. You may feel guilty for even considering an assisted living community. Before deciding, adult children must weigh the pros and cons carefully to ensure they make the best choice.
Pro: Ensure Their Health and Safety
Adult children worry about their parents as they age. Increasing health issues and cognitive declines can further cause concern. Having an elderly parent in their homes helps adult children feel confident in ensuring the parent’s health, safety, and well-being. Adult children may feel no one else can provide the same level of care.
Pro: Increased Family Time
Living busy lives prevents adult children from spending as much time as they would like with their parents. Having them in the home opens the doors for more quality time. Children will enjoy having their grandparents in the home.
Pro: Familiar Environment
Bringing elderly parents into the home allows them to feel more comfortable because they are in a familiar environment. No matter how comfortable the community is, seniors may find it challenging to adjust to the new environment while they receive support for seniors.
Con: Exhaustive Work
Taking care of an elderly parent can become a full-time job. Caregivers may find themselves getting burned out quickly and may begin to resent their elderly parents because they no longer have free time. It is especially challenging if a senior needs memory care. Adult children need to determine if they have the energy and mental fortitude to take on these extensive responsibilities.
Con: Relationship Strains
As seniors experience cognitive declines, they may also face personality changes. Seniors are often set in their ways and may not respond well to changes. Adult children may find the relationship with their elderly parents becomes strained. Elderly parents may not like their adult children trying to control their lives.
Consider the Alternatives
Adult children often face mounting pressure to provide care for their aging parents. While bringing them into the home can bring welcome relief for all parties, it can also lead to added stress.
Becoming a full-time caregiver can be taxing. Some people handle it well, while others begin to crash and burn quickly. It is essential adult children and their elderly parents explore the community options available.
Assisted living options give seniors the daily care and assistance they need so they can stay safe and healthy. In most cases, these communities can provide more extensive care than a single adult child because of the many staff members on duty.
It is essential to make the decision as a family. Consider all the options, and choose one that best meets the needs of the senior.
At Orchard Park of Kyle, we are devoted to our residents and treat them like family. Our community is rich in compassion, friendship, and fun. Our staff members provide the extensive daily care our residents need for good health and well-being.
