Consider the Emotional Impact of Caring for an Aging Parent
Have you ever stopped to consider the emotional impact of caring for your mom? The National Study of Caregiving reports that 44% of family caregivers find their roles to be emotionally challenging. It’s not uncommon to struggle with your emotional health, but there are ways to make sure you take care of yourself.
What Is Emotional Impact?
Emotional impact is defined as the different emotions you feel that have a lasting effect on you. It’s how strongly you feel something and how it resonates in your daily life.
For example, you watched your mom fall down the front steps. You couldn’t stop her in time, and it scared you. You felt fear and dread at the time, and now you feel anxiety every time she goes near the stairs. You feel your stomach clench and can’t get past that.
You can also have positive emotions. You’re with your mom on a walk and see the joy on her face when a puppy walks by with its owner and she’s allowed to pet it. That joy will leave a lasting memory for you to carry with you in the future.
Expect ups and downs. It’s normal. You and your mom will have good days and bad days, but the important part is that you’re spending time together. You’re enjoying your mom’s company, and she has plenty of opportunities to socialize with you.
It’s Hard Watching a Parent’s Mobility and Endurance Dwindle
As your mom gets older, you’ve noticed she has to walk slowly, especially after standing up. When she’s going up and down the stairs with a heavy laundry basket, you find yourself anxious the entire time as her balance isn’t the best.
When you go on walks, she used to walk miles with you. Now after a quarter of a mile, she’s tried and wants to turn around. As you see these changes, it is hard and will impact you emotionally. That’s normal.
You do need to take care of yourself. Rather than keep trying to power through when you’re mentally and emotionally exhausted, focus on yourself for a change. It’s okay to need to focus on self-care now and then.
Let Respite Care Services Ensure You Have Time to Yourself
You can balance your needs to take care of yourself with your mom’s needs for help around the home. Talk to a home care agency about having caregivers provide respite care. While your mom has the help she needs, you’re free to take care of yourself.
Learn about respite care costs and arrangements by talking to a home care specialist.
If you or someone you know needs help with home care in Ada, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
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