Live-in Care for Mom or Dad: Dealing with Caregiver Guilt

November 27, 2022 at 4:00 PM
Elderly woman with white hair looking out a garden

Choosing to hire professional caregivers for your aging parents can be a nerve-wracking decision. For one, many seniors are opposed to the idea of depending on someone to provide assistance, even if they genuinely need it.

As if that wasn’t challenging enough, you have to deal with some guilt about not being the one to provide care for your parents at such a time in their lives.

While it's normal to feel guilty for putting your parent's care in someone else's hands, it's important to remember that you're not alone. Thousands of families are in the same situation, and many have opted for a live-in caregiver for their parents because it was simply the best thing to do. For instance, some parents require the type of care that can only come from a trained professional.

The feeling of guilt when you hire live-in care for your aging parent is understandable. However, it is essential to address it head-on. Keep reading as we provide tips to help you feel at peace knowing that you made the right call.

Acknowledge Your Feelings

The first step to addressing your guilt is recognizing that it is natural to feel guilty in these situations. Acknowledge the fact that you are feeling guilty and why.

As aging is a natural process, it is crucial to remember that managing your parent's condition or illness is not necessarily your primary responsibility. The reality is your parents' safety is your ultimate priority, and live-in care can help you achieve this goal while also providing professional care.

Communicate with Your Family

It's crucial to explain to your family members why live-in care might be advantageous for your parents. Explain to them how it can help you provide more extensive care for your parents and maintain a balanced family life.

Ensure everyone knows the value of taking breaks and delegating responsibilities to others. Subsequently, discussing the live-in caregiver's role and expectations with your family is also a good idea.

Focus on What Matters

Pay attention to what matters most — the well-being and happiness of your parents. Plus, keep in mind that hiring live-in care for your parents can have numerous benefits. Understanding these allows you to shift your focus away from the guilt and onto what's best for them.

Whenever you feel guilty, remind yourself that live-in care is a viable solution to ensure your parents live in a safe and comfortable environment while they remain independent. Live-in caregivers provide round-the-clock companionship and care for your parents. Additionally, live-in care can help reduce hospitalizations.

Make Time for Yourself

It's important to remember that live-in care for your parents is beneficial not only for them but also for you. Taking the time to look after yourself and practicing self-care can help reduce feelings of guilt.

Make time for yourself — whether taking a break from your responsibilities or exploring activities that bring joy. You can also schedule regular self-care activities into your routine and make them a priority.

Reach out to Miami Valley Homecare to assist with live-in care for your parent

At Miami Valley Homecare, we know how guilting it can be when you can't be actively present to care for your elderly parents. We also understand how stressful the decision to put them in a live-in care service can be. For these reasons, our experienced live-in caregivers are here to help relieve some of that burden. We'll work with you and your family to ensure that your parents receive comprehensive and compassionate care in their own homes.

Our live-in caregivers are qualified, experienced professionals who provide personalized care for elderly adults in Centerville, Kettering, Xenia, Beavercreek, Fairborn, Oakwood, and the surrounding areas.

Give us a call today at (937) 671-2273 to get started. Our team will be happy to assess your parent's needs and make recommendations regarding live-in caregiver placement that meets your specifications and budget.