Don’t Ignore the “Cons” When You’re Thinking About Caring for Your Dad
Being a carer to an aging parent has a lot of “pros.” It saves money, which especially helpful on a tight budget. It’s a way to become closer. It’s a way to repair your parents for the years of care they invested in you.
While there may be a lot of pros, there are cons that you cannot ignore. Caring for your dad is a kind, loving act, but it’s also one that you have to weigh to make sure you don’t put your own well-being at risk.
Do You Have Enough Money Saved Up?
Caregiver Metrowest, FL: Caring for Your Dad
No one knows what will happen to Social Security payments 20 or 30 years from now. If you’re no longer working because your dad needs that much help, where is your retirement fund coming from? Are you counting on inheriting your dad’s money? Are you sure he’ll have any left?
You shouldn’t quit a job or reduce your hours if you don’t have any savings built up. Even if your dad has amassed a lot of savings, illness could deplete his savings. It can be unplanned.
If your dad developed Alzheimer’s disease and reached a point where he needed around-the-clock care, Genworth estimates that nursing home care can be over $100,000 per year. You cannot be certain that Medicare will cover that care. Many families end up having to pay for home health aides or nursing home care on their own.
Your Social Life is Impacted
Your dad can’t be left alone at night. He has too many medications to take and needs his meals. Your friends all work, so they can only get together after work. You haven’t been able to see them in months, so they stop inviting you. That’s not healthy.
You need time to socialize. You might need to find new friends who understand your situation as a family carer. To do that, you need time to join support groups and meet up with others as often as possible.
It’s Easy to Become Reliant on Bad Habits
It’s been a busy day. You changed the sheets and towels and did laundry. You had to clean up all of the dishes after making meals. Your dad got upset, so it took an hour to calm him down. That put you behind.
Because you were so busy, you stop and get fast food on your way home. You know it’s not healthy, but it’s fast and cheap. It does become easy to rely on fast food and take out. It’s easy to skip your daily exercise routine in order to have an extra 30 minutes for cleaning. You can’t let the care you offer impact your own health.
Caregivers provide the best way to balance your needs with your dad’s. Instead of devoting all of your time helping your dad, you could have caregivers step in while you take care of your own tasks like social outings, housekeeping, and errands. Call a home care agency to learn more about having caregivers help your dad.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering a Caregiver in Metrowest, FL please contact the caring staff at Winter Garden Senior Home are today. (407) 347-2050
Sources:
https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/financial-legal-planning/planning-for-care-costs#:
Founder / Owner
Jennifer Talbot is the Co-Owner of Winter Garden Senior Home Care in Winter Garden Florida.The business opened on Plant Street in October of 2007 (formally known as Age Advantage).
Jennifer remains active in the business and enjoys personally meeting with families looking for professional, classy caregivers. She prides herself in taking the time to listen and appreciate the personalities and life experiences of people who wish to “age in place”.Her unique ability to match people with their ideal caregiver, combined with a strong sense of service is what makes her business so successful.
Mrs. Talbot is a current member and past president of the Winter Garden Rotary Club, past president of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, active West Orange Chamber member, Recipient of the “Spirit of West Orange” Award 2017, Past Business Networking International Growth Coordinator, Past Committee member and founder of South Lake’s HINT, sustainer member of the West Orange Junior Service League, past board member for AGED, advisory board member for Elder Advocates, a United States Air Force brat, and proud mother of two college graduates.
Rebecca Lanterman
Owner
Rebecca has worked in the Central Florida medical community for over 10 years.She is a native of Winter Garden, Florida andhas a driving passion to serve our seniors.It has been said that Rebecca never meets a stranger.Her experience has been in Hospice, Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Communities where she faithfully served as a community liaison helping residents and families understand the myriad of long term care and healthcare options.
Rebecca is the mom of a little guy who is the twinkle of her eye.She can often be heard telling stories of traveling all around the country pulling her camper.To Rebecca, to live life is to touch it and experience it.Growing up in Central Florida afforded her some unique experiences like being a part of the “Magic” at Walt Disney World where she was a Walt Disney World Spirit Ambassador.She feels that this early indoctrination by The Walt Disney Company helped her understand the true value of serving others.To this day, she still has some of that Pixie Dust.Rebecca has also accomplished countless marathons and triathlons. After the sudden loss of her dad, her training partner, in 2012 she stepped away from the sport.But, as time has passed and healing has taken place, she is back to pursuing their dreams again.This time, her dad, her trusty training partner is keeping pace in her heart.It is from that willingness and drive that Rebecca has a keen understanding of the arduous and often treacherous course that our families are on.And, she is here to come along beside you and be with you each step, each stride, and each hurdle.It’s the old adage “life is a marathon and not a sprint”.She is here along with the team at Winter Garden Senior Home Care to be a part of your journey.
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