IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Spring 2020 | Page 15

INDUSTRY INSIGHT
SENIOR LIVING
SPONSORED CONTENT
Caring for Your
Aging Parent
C
aring for your aging parent is an important
responsibility. You want to do your best to give them
the support they need in their later years as they
did for you in your early years. Over time, this can
become challenging and stressful – especially while raising
your own children and working.
You may have heard the term “sandwich generation” which
is defined as “a generation of people, typically in their thirties
or forties, responsible for bringing up their own children and
for the care of their aging parents.” In other words, you can feel
pressure from both ends of the spectrum – your own home
and children who require your hands-on support and, at the
same time, your parent’s home and needs that also require
your assistance.
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at Asbury Heights
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Asbury Heights complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not
discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
Taking on this dual role is a journey that can feel
overwhelming and lead to burnout. Arranging a short respite
stay for your loved one at a senior living community may be
something to consider. This could accomplish two things –
you can get a break from your dual role while your loved one
receives the care they need from healthcare professionals
around the clock.
This can also be an opportunity for your loved one to
experience the benefits of a senior community without having
to commit, which can be less stressful for both of you.
During a respite stay, you can catch up on your rest and do
a few things you’ve been putting off. It would also be a good
time to reflect on the situation and consider what is truly best
for your parent and everyone involved.
It’s important to accept the fact that your parent will need
more help as time goes on, and you simply cannot be on call
24/7. The sooner you realize this, the more time you have to
research other options – to be proactive rather than reactive
when it comes to their care.
Take note of subtle changes in their physical independence,
memory, and mood. This could be a signal that they’ll need
more care soon. One area frequently overlooked, or not
recognized as a concern, is social isolation. Most people enjoy
forming relationships and thrive around friends. As mobility
slows and health issues increase, older adults tend to spend
more time home alone. The loss of frequent, personal contact
can have a significant impact on emotional stability and can
lead to depression at any time. Staying active and engaged is
crucial to maintaining a higher quality of life.
You lead a busy life with a demanding schedule. It’s nearly
impossible to provide your aging parent with the quality care
they need while simultaneously raising your own children and
nurturing your career. Getting help with your loved one’s care
will also allow you the opportunity to spend more leisure time
with them – which is so precious during these hectic days.
Please call us to discuss how we can help make your life
easier. We can work around your schedule and set up an
appointment for an evening or weekend – whatever works
best for you. Let us help you plan ahead.
This Industry Insight was written
by Erica Gevaudan and Laura Ebel,
Personal Care Home Administrators,
Asbury Heights, part of UPMC Senior
Communities.
BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN-WHITEHALL
❘
SPRING 2020
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