Doing Your Best isn’t Always Enough
There is no easy way to confront the fact that you will soon lose your parent, sibling, extended family member, or family friend. It is even natural for some people to begin grieving once they receive the news that someone that they love will not be around to see their milestones. Missed weddings, missed birthdays, and missed time with young children can’t be replaced, but making sure that your ailing family member has good, consistent care is the best way to show your loved one that the time that you spent with them is every bit as valuable as they themselves remember it to be. Making the decision to hire an end-of-life caregiver may not be an easy decision to make for everyone, and the expense is something that should be carefully considered by all involved in caring for and loving your loved one. If you’re on the fence, however, consider how greatly your loved one will benefit from having a professional that is there to take care of their needs.
Your Loved One Will be Able to Stay in their Own Home
Independence is a fragile thing – a car accident, disease, or mental condition can greatly impact anyone’s ability to care for themselves. No price can be put on independence, nor can anyone really understand how valuable it is until they are without it. Retirement communities do their part for elderly people across the nation, but there is a special kind of independence for those who are able to stay in their homes. Older people who stay home are more comfortable, more easily accessible to their friends and family, more likely to spend more time outside of their home, and may have an easier time remaining mentally stable. Hiring a care provider during this time of continued independence for your loved one is an investment in your loved one’s future, and in their happiness.
You Will Have Greater Peace of Mind
Maybe your dad was a tough guy when you were growing up. You admired him, you loved how he’d scoop you up, make airplane noises as he carried you through the air, and the inevitable exploding noise when you landed, safely, on the ground. Maybe it’s hard for you to see him now, after all of the wonderful years of love he’s given you, all alone, and fending for himself. With a caregiver, you don’t have to worry if your dad has remembered his handful of medications that he needs to take throughout the day. Instead, you can swing by when you can, after rush hour, have dinner with your old man, and laugh about the times when the very thing you’ve brought to eat was on your long list of dislikes. Your caregiver has made sure that your dad has taken everything that he needs to be there to have dinner with you, and now your job is to enjoy the time that you still have to enjoy with dear old dad.
If You Don’t Get an End-of-Life Caregiver, Do Consider Respite Care
There will never be a perfect time with a perfect economy where everyone has a perfect job. If you are concerned with the price of end-of-life care, or you simply do not want it, respite care could be a good option for you. Respite care gives you a chance to take care of yourself while a caregiver cares for your loved one. Respite care doesn’t mean that you don’t love your loved one, but it does mean that you are taking care of yourself, so that you can take care of your family.
