Dealing with the Emotions That Come with Homecare

If you’re trying to manage the emotional effects of caring for an elderly parent or loved one, know that your feelings are natural and that you are not alone. 

Taking care of elderly parents at home comes with huge responsibility, and this sense of pressure is often coupled with challenging emotions that can be difficult to identify and process. 

As homecare providers ourselves, we’ve put together this useful guide covering how to support caregivers, covering everything from coping skills for carers to navigating how to deal with demanding elderly parents.

Why can starting homecare feel emotional for families and loved ones?

Deciding to transition to homecare services can bring up a lot of unexpected feelings and emotions, especially if you’ve been giving help caring for elderly parents or loved ones for a long time.

It’s very common for families to feel guilty and like they’re not doing enough. The same goes for finding the stress of looking after elderly parents absolutely exhausting, but feeling conflicted when it’s time to introduce another layer of help.

Homecare is a huge transition for service users and for their families. With this in mind, anxiety is a very natural feeling to experience. You may feel apprehensive about how they will respond, or how your dynamic could change with a new care plan in place. 

However, it’s important to remember that introducing new visiting carers or a domestic care assistant into their routine doesn’t mean diminishing or handing over responsibility. It’s actually the kindest thing you can do for the well-being and quality of life of all parties involved.

Read more: What is homecare? 

How might a loved one feel about receiving homecare, and how can you support them?

We usually find that service users approach homecare transitions in one of two ways. Some resist change due to fear and anxiety, and some (especially those suffering from long-term health conditions) feel a sense of relief. Both reactions, and everything in between, are completely understandable and natural.

Here’s how to support your loved one during the transition:

• Make them feel heard and let them know that their feelings and fears are valid.
• Reassure them that homecare will help them maintain independence, not take it away.
• Involve them in as many decisions regarding their care as possible so they feel a sense of ownership and autonomy.
  
• Introduce care gradually if your loved one is apprehensive. This can help build a sense of trust and familiarity over time.

The best coping skills for caregivers and how to manage stress and burnout at home

Unfortunately, family caregivers tend to put their needs last. In fact, depression when caring for elderly parents is very common, and it can very quickly start to negatively impact physical and mental health.

Here are some tips for balancing your care role while meeting your own personal needs:

• Remind yourself of what is and isn’t realistic. You can’t expect yourself to be a superhuman all of the time.
• Don’t be afraid to accept help. Share responsibilities with other family members and friends if possible, and remember that practical and emotional support is out there from charities like Carers UK and homecare providers like ourselves.
• Make time for yourself wherever possible. Remember that you have needs that need to be met, too.
• Utilise home adaptations to make your role easier. Contact us for advice about home adaptations. These are usually budget-friendly, quick wins that can lower the risk of accidents, boost your loved one’s confidence around the home, and make your role that little bit easier.

When should a caregiver consider seeking professional medical support?

If you’re finding yourself feeling constantly tired, isolated, or low in mood due to your caring responsibilities, it’s probably the right time to seek professional medical advice and support. Your GP will be able to offer support through various channels, whether that be counselling therapy, medication, or referral to support groups.

Managing emotions in healthcare: What we do for you

At Nuliving, we believe that,  by definition, high-quality care should extend beyond a service user’s physical needs. For care to be wholly beneficial, it has to nurture emotional well-being. This also includes the well-being of family and relatives during the transition.

How we provide emotional support to our service users

We pride ourselves on offering fully tailored homecare plans with flexible delivery options, including daycare, night care, and couples homecare. This ensures that we meet and exceed the unique needs of every service user. 

Our carers also take pride in building genuine, meaningful relationships with service users, learning the routines that make them happy, and the familiarities they feel comfortable with. 

This connection is essential for boosting confidence, enhancing mood, and easing the transition of our service users.

Learn more: How does homecare work?

How we provide emotional support to families and relatives

Being a carer is one of life’s biggest responsibilities, and a role that many will have to step up to in their lifetime. 

We have plenty of experience in working closely with families, allowing for collaborative care planning, honest and open communications, and regular updates and meetings. 

It’s integral to us that the families of our service users know that they are in safe and capable hands when in our care.

See what support is available to you with Nuliving

Remember that homecare isn’t “cheating” or passing responsibility. It’s a way to protect your own well-being while ensuring that your loved one continues to receive the best possible care at all times.

If you’re looking for homecare services in North Yorkshire or home care in Cumbria, please feel free to get in touch with your nearest Nuliving branch team. 

We’ll be more than happy to assist you with any queries you may have, ranging from anxieties about homecare service cost to the different types of homecare services we offer.

• Category:Caring for Loved Ones at Home