When an elderly parent is struggling in their own home, it is common for families to question whether or not they can stay there alone. For some families, this may mean moving grandma in with them. This could solve some issues, but it often creates many more. This article will explore whether or not to move your elderly loved one into your family’s home.
When Families Consider Moving Their Loved One
Families generally consider changing their loved one’s residence after a major medical emergency. This could include episodes like a heart attack or stroke but could come after a serious fall. Whenever something causes you to question your loved one’s safety in their own home, that consideration can form. Some families may decide to move their elderly loved one into their homes, whether in a spare bedroom, a shared room, or even the living room. After all, moving them in means that they would not be alone. But is this truly in their best interest, or yours?
Losing Independence
A loss of independence can occur when you move your elderly individual into your home. However, this occurs not just for them, but for you as well. Your elderly loved one may feel like they are being watched over. But you may lose some level of privacy in your own home. Now there is another person sharing the bathroom and one that may take much more time in there. After living independently it can be hard to readjust to having your parent back in your daily life. They may involve themselves more in your personal life, now that they are living with you again.
Losing Time for Self-Care After Moving Them
Home is often considered a sanctuary. It is important to rest and recharge after work or caring for the kids all day. But if you come home to take care of your loved one, it is usually done at the expense of your own self-care. Caring for a loved one can be stressful. Many family caretakers note that their own health deteriorates, as they focus their efforts on providing care for their elderly loved one.
Role Reversal And Moving a Parent In With You
Caring for an elderly parent can be a challenge because of feelings of role reversal. Your parent may not want to feel like they are being treated like a child. However, you may have to care for them in ways that can create this feeling. Depending on their situation, they may need assistance bathing or getting dressed. While you may be willing to help them, these feelings of role reversal can be a challenge for all involved.
Home Modifications
Often, moving a parent into your home can create unwanted home improvement projects. This can include installing bathroom rails, a chair lift, or renovating a room to serve as a bedroom. Overall, this can come with unexpected costs that your family may not be prepared for. However, these can be a sound investment if you intend to age in place or sell your home down the line.
Hiring Care in the Home
You may want to consider hiring a home health aide to assist your loved one, either at their current home or after you move them into your own house. A home health aide can provide them with assistance in their daily life. Safe Harbor Healthcare services have been matching elderly and disabled individuals with caring home health aides for over 50 years.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical or healthcare advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for medical advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has been providing excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help the elderly and disabled live safely and independently; while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information, contact Safe Harbor by clicking here, or call us at (718)-979-6900.
