When an aging parent is transitioning between independence and a greater need for depending on others, it is important to give them time to realize and accept these changing needs. They must acknowledge that they are in need of assistance in some or many areas and agree to accept help. This shift can cause great stress for both the parent and child. On one hand, the parent must make a move that will greatly change their everyday life and accept that they do need help and the end is nearing closer. On the opposite side, the child must change their way of living to include taking care of their parent. After living apart for several decades, it is a great change for all parties involved to revert back to living under one roof.
Having an elderly parent move in with an adult child and their family can upset everyone’s life, which can worsen the already bad situation. Many times, assisted living is a viable option that helps to ease the stress of the caregivers. While the child still must change the way they live to accommodate visiting and caring for their parent, it is not nearly as great of a change as having the parent move in. Also, when an aging parent lives with their child, family members will disagree about many issues, which can make the situation harder for everyone. If the parent lives in an assisted living community, they can still hold some independence and avoid many of the problems that come with living with their child.
No comments:
Post a Comment