Deciding the type of care that is most appropriate for your aging parents can be a challenge. While you want mum and dad to have nothing but the best, you have to consider other aspects of life too. Do your parents need professional care, or are they better off with you? Can you afford to keep them at home? Researching the advantages and disadvantages of having your aging parents at home will ensure that you make the best decision. Here are a few of them.
1. Pro: Peace Of Mind
If your aging parents live with you at home, you can always be sure of the quality of care they are receiving. You have probably heard horror stories about poor care that senior adults receive away from home. You may have trouble relaxing if you don’t know what is going on.
Con: You May Not be Able to Provide the Necessary Care
Today, there are lots of regulatory agencies to monitor the quality of care in senior living homes. Even when your parents are away from home, you can be assured of their safety and comfort. With some research, you will have no trouble finding the right aged care residences for loved ones. Depending on the level of care that your parents need, you may not meet their needs. The problem can be even worse when they have health issues. It may be difficult to care for them and handle all your responsibilities away from home.
2. Pro: Saving money
One of the biggest challenges you will face when determining the best way to care for your aging parents is money. Keeping them at home is one of the most cost-effective options. However, this depends on the specific needs of your aging parents. If they don’t have any medical or nutritional needs, keeping them at home can be very affordable. You don’t have to waste money on mortgage payments, utility bills, or other costs.
Con: Home Safety Modifications Are Expensive
Modifying your home to suit the needs of your aging parents can be expensive. You may not be aware of all the hidden safety hazards lying around until you start living with your older folks. From bathrooms to stairways, lighting, and floors, danger lies everywhere.
Poor lighting and slippery floors, for example, can cause falls, especially at night. Since your aging parents are likely to use the bathroom, you need sufficient lighting in the bathroom. You may need to make various changes in your home.
3. Pro: More Family Time
It may seem obvious, but it is one of the most important benefits of living with your parents at home. You get to spend more time with them and may alleviate the loneliness that some older adults feel. The home environment is friendly, and your aging parents will feel valued and wanted.
Adulthood comes with plenty of challenges, and you may not get to spend a lot of time with your aging parents. If they live with you, you can spend some time together every day. It is easier to understand and address their needs.
Con: Increased Stressed
Seeing your aging parents every day is great, but it can present a few challenges. It changes your family dynamic and increases stress. Adding one person to your household is challenging. It is even worse when it is an older adult who needs constant care. Stress can cause poor performance at work and school. It can drain you physically, mentally, and emotionally. In the end, stress can cause resentment. It can strain your relationship with your parents.
4. Pro: Familiar Surroundings
Familiar surroundings are suitable for the health and comfort of your aging parents. Being close to loved ones can offer a sense of calm in the event of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other age-related illnesses. Moving on to an entirely new place may take a toll on their health. It is stressful and could make them feel like they aren’t in control of their environment. Luckily, some senior communities have dedicated special programs to those with dementia.
Con: Less Independence and Privacy
Bringing more people to your home could infringe on your privacy. It also results in less privacy for your parents. They may have to rely on you for everything. It means they can’t get around without you and they don’t have much time to be alone. If your parents don’t need lots of care and want to keep a level of independence, living with you isn’t the best idea.
Caring for older adults is a challenge, and unfortunately, you don’t always know if you are doing the right thing. The relationships between kids and their parents are often filled with unspoken expectations and assumptions. It is a challenge that you will probably face at your parent’s age. Please do some research and determine what is best for them before making a decision.
