Caring for an aging relative will provide many rewarding moments, but there is no question that it may feel emotionally and physically challenging. As your loved one grows older and their health declines, you might need to admit to yourself and others that you can no longer maintain the caring arrangements.
The decision might be due to their health deteriorating or because you can no longer maintain the mental and physical pressure, and both are good reasons to step away from the role.
As hard as it might be to accept that you are struggling to meet a family member's needs, it is important to do so to ensure they receive the care they need and deserve. Read the following advice on how to hand over responsibility at the right time.
Consider a Relative's Needs
Washing and dressing a loved one, attending medical appointments, and performing household chores may have felt difficult at times, but you may have been more than ready to accept the challenge. However, as your relative has grown older and their health needs have changed, you might feel you are no longer the best person to care for them daily.
If your loved one is often falling, experiencing emotional outbursts, sustaining many injuries despite assistance, or attempting to leave the home due to confusion, it might be time to hand over responsibility to one or more professional caregivers. It might feel hard to admit this to yourself, but it could be the best decision for your loved one in the long term.
Discuss the Best Care Options
If you have decided the time has come to step back from a carer role, you must start the conversation with your aging relative and family members. Exploring options such as benchmark at Alexandria can offer numerous benefits such as providing a supportive environment where older adults can maintain independence while receiving the care they need.
Discussing the best care options for your loved one is an opportunity to learn about their care wishes and to ease them into the prospect of formal assistance.
Gather a few family members before sitting with a relative in a relaxed yet private setting to discuss stepping back from your carer role. Reiterate you need to hand over responsibility to a professional caregiver to ensure they can maintain a great quality of life.
Also, it might help to research different caregiver options to present ideas that could make the process feel much easier for your relative and the whole family. For instance, your loved ones might be more open to assisted living after learning about memory care in Burbank, CA, as they might feel comforted to know an aging relative will live in a safe, stimulating, and comfortable environment with 24-hour nursing supervision.
Stop Feeling Guilty
Feelings of guilt are common when handing over caring responsibilities to an experienced senior living community or a professional caregiver. Yet, you shouldn't blame yourself for feeling emotionally and physically overwhelmed, as you have likely taken every step possible to care for their needs for as long as possible.
Also, you may need to remove yourself from the role to focus more on your family or mental health, and there is no shame in doing so, especially if you cannot provide your aging relative with the time and attention they need.
When guilt strikes, you must remind yourself that you are making the best decision for your relative?s health, security, and quality of life. Also, the additional support could restore your parent and child or grandparent and grandchild relationship, which benefits you both in the long term.