Being the primary caregiver of an elderly parent can be a blessing, allowing you to spend precious time together and give back to the person who raised you. With that in mind, it can also lead to anxiety, guilt, frustration, and even occasional resentment toward that person as you re-adjust to living together again. Once you begin to feel those negative emotions surfacing the guilt kicks in again. Be aware that you are not the only person to feel this way. Moving in with someone, as well as being responsible for their care (when it was possibly thrust upon you unexpectedly) is difficult. One way to help lessen the pressure you are feeling is to look into New Hampshire home health care. Agencies can schedule time for a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) and/or Personal Care Service Provider (PCSP) to attend to your mom or dad’s health while offering some much needed respite care. There are also other some other tid-bits of advice to help make your living situation more palatable as you navigate the logistics of living together.

First, as selfish as it may seem, you must consider your own limitations and think of yourself sometimes. As much as you want to be there for your parent, it is also important to keep your sanity. This may mean seriously considering taking advantage of that respite care, or calling on a brother or sister to take on some of the responsibility. Maybe they can take mom to their home one day a week to spend some time together and give you precious time to yourself, or if that is not possible, they can come to your home while you go out. Make it a regular routine that everyone can look forward to. Chances are mom and dad will enjoy the time with a different face too.

Another aspect of caregiving that can lead to aggravation is feeling that the person you are opening your home to is not appreciative. If your parent has dementia it may be unlikely that they will praise you or recognize the sacrifices you are making for them. It could also simply not be a part of their personality to do such things. Remember why you are doing what you are doing and find personal satisfaction in the care you are providing.

When you are ready to contact a New Hampshire home health care agency, call MAS Home Care at 603-296-0960.