Can Your Marriage Survive the Strain of Senior Care?
Providing senior care can be stressful on a marriage; learn tips to help here.
In marriage we agree to stick with each other for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health – but what doesn’t come up during our vows to one another is how to deal with the increasing needs of senior care as our parents age.
Nevertheless with our life span increasing, it’s essential to have a plan based on both the needs of our parents as they grow older, and the multitude of day-to-day needs, all while honoring our cherished relationship with a spouse. It is a challenge that is responsible for anxiety and pressure for 80% of couples interviewed, leading to detachment and less quality time together. Midnight Sun Home Care shares the following areas in a marriage which are particularly impacted by caregiving for a senior parent:
Finances. Still retaining the top position when it comes to the reason reported for divorce, fiscal pressure is magnified if the older parent has not implemented a financial arrangement for long-term care. Frankly communicating frustrations with one another and working together to look into choices to afford services will help.
Exhaustion. As worthwhile as it can be, meeting the needs of an elderly loved one calls for a large amount of time and energy – leaving hardly any left over at the end of the day for your spouse. Accept opportunities for assistance from other people or hire a professional caregiver, so you can be sure to allow for high quality time with your spouse.
Frustration. Rising frustration and diminished patience are two typical side effects of exhaustion, and sadly, we have a tendency to lash out at those we love the most when feeling overwhelmed. Tolerate imperfection, practice understanding, and find professional assistance as needed.
So how else could you try to avoid these issues and keep a solid and healthy marriage? The following tips can help:
Make sure your spouse is always a top concern. Small gestures can go a long way towards this end, such as writing a note of love and appreciation, getting out of bed a few moments early to share a cup of coffee together before the day becomes busy, or putting aside a block of time at the end of the day to talk and wind down.
Becoming a member of an online support group for family caregivers can allow you the opportunity to vent worries with individuals in the same circumstances, relieving concerns.
Seek out the services of a certified therapist, either for yourself individually or for both of you as a couple.
Another smart way to attain a healthier life balance is through partnering with an established and trusted in-home care provider, like Midnight Sun Home Care, the personal care assistant Alaska families trust. We provide specialized respite care solutions which allow members of the family to take time away from caregiving, while offering seniors a chance for increased socialization with a friendly and professionally trained caregiver. Contact us to learn more about how a personal care assistant in Alaska can help you, at (907) 677-7890.
