Homecare in Stamford, CT

While many people immediately think of one adult child, an adult child and her spouse, or a few adult siblings being the ones that take on the role of being a family caregiver for aging parents, this is not the only way that senior care can work within a family. Many families are turning toward a time-honored care structure that sees more than one generation of a family involved in the care of another, allowing all members of the family to benefit from each other, the relationships they have with each other, and the extra help available for the care tasks.

If you are stepping into the role of being a family caregiver for your aging loved ones and you have older children, it is possible that they can be a powerful resource for you within your care journey. By creating a multigenerational approach to their care, you enable your parents to remain a central element of the family structure, boost mental and emotional health among all of the family members, and produce a family that is stronger and more connected.

Some of the ways that older children can help with your senior care efforts include:

• Transportation. Many seniors do not face extensive medical, physical, or cognitive needs, but may have certain limitations such as low vision, hearing impairment, or physical stiffness that make it difficult or impossible for them to maintain their personal transportation. Older children who have their own cars can be a great source of reliable, safe transportation so that your parents can run errands, attend events, and stay active throughout the community. Another way to ensure that your elderly loved ones get to and from the places they need to go safely to rely on a home care provider for transportation when you aren't available.

• Chores. It may be difficult for your parents to do things around the house such as taking out the trash, maintaining the lawn, or making simple repairs, but if your older sons have the capacity to do these things, they can be a tremendous help. Just a few hours a week of help is wonderful for their minds and bodies, and a boon to your parents. When you and your children can't be there to do the chores that need to be done, a home care provider is the perfect solution. Among the many other duties a home care provider does, light housework and other tasks of daily living are certainly a benefit.

• Check-ins. Even if your parents are highly independent or they have a senior health care services provider in the home with them most of the time, you want to make sure that they are doing well. Having your children drop by to see them and check in on their well-being once a week or so is a great way to keep them connected and ensure that they are receiving the care and assistance that they need so you can make modifications to their care plan if necessary. Of course, a regularly scheduled visit from a senior care provider would eliminate any need to make a special trip on a daily basis.

• Companionship. Perhaps the most important thing that a grandchild can provide for his grandparents is love and support. Companionship is all about social interaction, personal contact, and feeling relevant and involved. Grandchildren can spend time in the home with their grandparents playing games, having conversations, participating in crafts and hobbies they all love, or just sitting around together enjoying each other's presence. This is not only wonderful for your parents, it is a chance for your children to learn from the older generation. If you or your children aren't able to provide the companionship your senior loved one needs on a regular basis, a home care provider can fill in during those times, offering a friendly ear and a helpful hand.