March 26, 2024
Winter has an interesting way of fooling millions of people into thinking it’s over before coming back with a vengeance. It can be difficult for many people, especially seniors who live in the northern parts of the country and deal with winter weather.
Your elderly mother may be living alone and struggling with physical abilities or her health. You might be assisting her the best you can, but with everything you have going on in your life, there’s only so much you can do. This winter, though, might have been extra tough.
There could be a number of reasons why it has been so difficult for you both. Maybe your father has passed and this was the first winter she spent alone in decades. Or maybe it was extra cold and snowy. Perhaps her physical health has declined to the point where she couldn’t even take the garbage out to the trash cans this year.
Whatever the case may be, you have become her primary caregiver. This might not have been something you planned on, but it’s your current reality. You didn’t want her struggling all by herself, and you hadn’t thought about the option of home care.
Just like you, your mother has probably been looking forward to the end of winter for a while. There may be things she wants to do. If you have a career, are working a couple of part-time jobs to make ends meet, or are raising children, you may not have the time to devote to her that she needs. Home care can step in and fill in the gaps
What has your mother been looking forward to doing in the warmer weather? Does she like to garden? Does she enjoy walks in the park? Does she like simply sitting outside on the deck or patio and listening to the birds? She can probably still do those things now, can’t she? Or maybe she has difficulty getting around and stepping outside is difficult for her without help. Then what do you do? Does she have to wait until you are available to do those things?
Hiring a home care provider who can be with your mother or other loved one when you can’t is a great option. This will allow her to get outside and enjoy the activities she has been missing.
For this, you have to be honest with yourself. It’s easy to say you’ll have plenty of time, but is that really true? Most of us overestimate the time we do have, don’t manage it well, or run out of it far faster than we realize. If you don’t have enough time to support her, at least beyond just assisting her in the morning or late in the evening, then what is she going to do the rest of the day?
Home care can support her while you are working or taking care of other responsibilities you have to do. Having help isn’t just about your time, but her quality of life. You want her to be safe, absolutely. But quality of life is just as important as safety for everyone, regardless of age. If your mother is not able to do the things she wants to do unless she has help, then why not hire help so she can enjoy those things again?
When you hire the right home care to assist you, you can help her truly leave winter behind and focus on enjoying the warming seasons.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Home Care in Bloomfield, PA, please contact the caring staff at In-Home Quality Care today. Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area since 1990! Call 412-421-5202
