Getting Care for a Loved One
Many people, especially middle-aged adults, find themselves in the position of caring for a family member. Life comes with complications, and sickness and age, as well as other factors, can leave someone we love in need of assistance. There are three common instances where you may need to acquire care for a family member. Each instance comes with a unique set of issues and responsibilities, but all of them can be faced with proper resources.
Old Age
Whether you’re an only child or one of many, getting care for your parents in their old age is usually your responsibility, in part. This can be a complex time, especially if your relationship with this parent is strained, or if your siblings aren’t willing to do their part. Finding your parent an assisted living or in-home care are two of the most common options for your ageing parent, but you can also get financial assistance if you choose to care for them at home. You’ll want to weigh your placement decision carefully and thoroughly research any caregivers you choose. You’ll also want to seek support for yourself, from friends, and even a therapist, as you embark on this complicated journey.
Illness
Cancer and other serious diseases can affect anyone in your family, not just your parents. If you’re caring for a parent, spouse, sibling, or child, you’ll want to look into the best treatment options available. When a spouse or child is affected, you will likely be co-deciding on all of the treatments, and helping research the ins and outs for your loved one will help alleviate that burden from them. You can find cancer care with Regional Cancer Care Associates or many others. This is likely a devastating time, so, more than ever, it’s important that you take time out for yourself to heal and process what’s happening.
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Substance Abuse
If a spouse or child has a substance abuse problem, it may fall on your shoulders to help them get treatment. While no one can be forced into recovery, there are resources for you as you worry, and for your spouse or teen as they seek a better lifestyle. New Jersey government information on the opioid epidemic will help guide you and your family member towards help, and knowing about recovery and self-help centres, family support, and the substance abuse treatment directory will all aid you in this difficult time. There are wonderful resources both for you and for your loved one available, and help often begins with a quick phone call.
While all three of these instances will prove a difficult time for anyone, they can all be faced. In each instance, it’s important that you take care of yourself as well. No matter what, your family member will look back on this season with gratitude for the assistance you provided.
This is a collaborative post.
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I think this is something that families should start thinking about before the time for deciding comes.
As a former Case Manager RN all of this resonates with me. Thank you for sharing!
My mom is in her 60s and she doesnt want to retire yet. She still considers herself able to work and provide even for her grandkids. but whatever happens, I am ready to look after her.
Such a great post. My Mom actually took care of my Grandma after she couldn’t live alone anymore but before she went into assisted living. I gave her such credit. My sister and brother-in-law have had to put their daughter in substance abuse facilities more than once. (Not an easy road for them).
Sometimes it’s hard to buckle down and get help for those we love. We don’t want to feel like we’re letting them down but at the same time, we’re not letting them down we’re giving them a better quality of life. It’s just hard to see that in the process of it all.
My husband won’t be able to take care of himself anymore. Fortunately, I work from home so I am able to do the care for him now.
My mom and dad looks so healthy but I admit that even though they look healthy they feel some pain in their body. So when they feel we are taking them right away with our family doctor to look them up.
My dad is 76, and as healthy as can be, but this weighs at the back of my mind often. He lives in another state, and it’s just hard to think about.