Taking care of a senior parent is hard. It can be overwhelming when you are caring for a parent who has chronic health issues and trying to work and take care of your kids. But you don’t have to do it alone. And you’re allowed to take breaks for your own mental and physical health.
Elder care is care at home for seniors that is available short-term or long-term. If you need a few days to yourself, or you want to take a vacation with your family, an elder care provider can make sure your senior parent is safe and comfortable while you’re gone.
With elder care, you always have backup when it comes to taking care of your senior parent. Just knowing you don’t have to do it all alone every day can relieve a lot of the stress of caring for a parent.
How Elder Care Can Help
Elder care is available whenever your senior parent needs support but you have other responsibilities. Or, when you just need to step back and take a breather for your own health and peace of mind. Elder care can be there for your senior parent when:
When You Get Sick
If you come down with the flu, a bad cold, or something more serious, it’s hard to care for someone else. You need rest to get better, and your parent still needs attention, meals, and possibly help moving around.
That’s when elder care can step in. A professional caregiver can handle daily routines like medication reminders, cooking, and light housekeeping while you focus on getting well. It’s better for both of you. Your parent gets steady care, and you don’t risk passing along germs or pushing yourself too hard.
When You Have a Kid Emergency
Life with kids can be unpredictable. Maybe your child breaks an arm at school, or you have to rush to a parent-teacher meeting or deal with a sudden fever in the middle of the night. In moments like that, your attention naturally shifts to your child.
Elder care can make sure your parent isn’t left alone or without support during those times. Even a few hours of help can make a big difference, especially if your parent needs meals, medication, or help getting dressed.
When You Want to Take a Vacation
Everyone needs a break sometimes. Caregiving can be rewarding but also exhausting. Taking a short vacation or even a weekend away can help you recharge. Elder care services can provide temporary or “respite” care, where a trained caregiver steps in while you’re gone.
They can manage daily routines, make sure your parent takes their medications, and keep them company. That way, you can enjoy your time off without feeling guilty or worried. When you come back, you’ll be refreshed and ready to handle caregiving again.
When Your Parent Needs Around-the-Clock Care
If your parent is recovering from surgery, a fall, or another health setback, they may need more help than you can give alone. Elder care services can provide 24-hour support during recovery.
Caregivers can help with personal care, mobility, medication, and monitoring for any signs of complications. Having professional help during this time keeps your parent safe and can even help them recover faster.
When You Can’t Take Time Off Work
Balancing a full-time job and caregiving can be tough. Maybe your parent has doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions, or lab tests that always seem to fall during work hours.
Elder care professionals can take your parent to and from appointments, keep track of notes from doctors, and make sure they get home safely. This kind of support helps you keep your job and still meet your parent’s needs without burning out or feeling pulled in two directions.
Get The Support You And Your Parent Need
Elder care is a support system for you and for your senior parent. It’s the best way to make sure that your parent gets the consistent support they need when you can’t be there to hep them. Set up elder care today so that you can take the time off that you need.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in St. Paul, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
