When you sign on to fill the role of the family caregiver to a parent with Alzheimer’s, no one can prepare you for what will happen. For some, it’s a few years of care. For others, the battle against the disease extends well past ten years. Along the way, you’ll experience joy, frustration, and anger.
One of the first things to know is that you’re not alone. It’s tough because this is your mom or dad. You feel obligated to provide the care and do everything possible to be the only person your parent relies on. You cannot put your well-being last. You have to take care of yourself.
Alzheimer’s care is an all-day job. One thing that family caregivers don’t realize is that your mom or dad may stop sleeping. Ask some long-term family caregivers about their parents’ sleep patterns. You’ll often hear that sleep declined to an hour or two at night with short naps during the day. It’s not feasible to keep up with that schedule on your own.
It’s time to address how 24-hour home care services help you stay healthy as a family caregiver. You’re able to trust in someone else so that you can take care of yourself. Here are some of the ways around-the-clock caregivers can help.
You Get to Sleep
While your mom or dad is awake, you can stay in bed. Sleep through the night knowing a caregiver is up and with your parent while you sleep. You can have a full night’s sleep and be recharged for the next day.
Have a Second Set of Eyes
When you’re busy getting laundry started and running the vacuum, your mom is napping. You hope she’ll sleep until you’re done. If she wakes up while you’re in another area of the house, she might get outside and start to wander.
With a caregiver helping out, your list of chores decreases. You can focus on some tasks while the caregiver works in a room closer to your mom. With two of you in the house, she’s less likely to get outside without anyone noticing.
You Can Keep Working
Family caregivers often have to give up their jobs to care for a parent with Alzheimer’s. Can you afford to do that? If you need health insurance and other benefits, you can’t stop working. You may need the income as family caregivers don’t always get paid for helping their parents out.
Hire 24-hour home care aides to help your parents when you’re working. You can keep your job, help out when possible, and know that caregivers are with your mom or dad when you’re busy.
Book 24-Hour Home Care Services for Your Mom or Dad
Do you have a better idea of the services that will help your mom or dad? Call a home care expert and discuss pricing, schedules, and services. Book 24-hour home care today and start focusing on your mental, emotional, and physical health.
