Providing care for a senior loved one can be incredibly rewarding and challenging at the same time. While it’s common for this type of care to involve a parent, it can also include caring for senior in-laws. If this is part of your routine these days, here’s a closer look at five of the top challenges specific to providing care for elderly in-laws, as well as some advice for handling each one.
1. Issues with Extended Family Members
Regardless of the nature of the relationship with your in-laws, there’s the possibility of having to face issues from other relatives on their side of the family. For instance, some of your other extended family members may contend that you’re not providing proper care based on what they’ve heard. Mitigate potential issues of this nature by:
• Providing regular care updates to everyone involved—e.g., monthly or weekly emails or Zoom meetings
• Correcting any inaccurate information ASAP
• Seeking assistance with inner-family communication from your spouse
Family members sometimes disagree on their loved ones’ individual needs. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of home care. Richmond families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
2. In-Law Relationship Tensions
In some instances, it may be your significant other who insists you provide care for your in-laws even though your relationship with them isn’t that great. Should this be the case, providing care could be a little more challenging than anticipated. One possible happy medium here is to have your spouse provide more hands-on care while you handle less direct care involving things like running errands.
3. Limits with Decision-Making
With your own parents, it’s generally expected that you’ll be within your rights to make certain care-related decisions. However, it could be a gray area when it comes to more significant decisions involving senior in-laws. This is when it makes sense to get your spouse involved. Should your spouse no longer be in the picture for one reason or another, getting your in-laws’ care preferences documented as soon as possible can provide some added peace of mind and guidance.
4. Unwanted/Unfair Burdens
If the relationship with your in-laws is good but still at a point where you’re not comfortable with more involved care, it could become problematic if your spouse shifts more of the burden of care to you. With a situation like this, it can be beneficial to set some boundaries with your spouse and in-laws. Make it clear what you’re comfortable with to avoid creating tensions in your relationship.
Your caregiving burden may be heavier if your aging in-laws require around-the-clock supervision. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Richmond seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver.
5. Added Personal Stress
Ignoring the fact your in-laws are getting older and in need of some assistance isn’t a realistic option. That said, it’s also not healthy to reach a point where you’re stretched too thin physically and emotionally, especially if your own parents need similar care. Keep your stress levels in check by seeking help from other family members. In-home care is another option that gives your in-laws access to professional care while also making it easier for you to be involved in a less stressful way.
Homecare professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers. Call Home Care Assistance today at (804) 207-4746 to find out how we can help your family.