You Don’t Have to Quit Your Job to Care for a Parent

It’s difficult to watch your parent age. It can be emotionally exhausting and—if you’re their primary caregiver—it’s physically and mentally draining as well, leaving you little room to take care of yourself while you care for a parent.

Some even feel like they can’t care for their parent and hold down a full-time job. They may see no other solution than to go to part-time work or quit completely.

But assisted living homes provide a solution.

Caregiving Is Like Having Another Job

According to the Caregiver Action Network, on average, family caregivers spend 20 hours a week helping loved ones. Roughly 13 percent of caregivers provide 40 hours of care per week or more.

Add to this the fact that more than 29 percent of the American population cares for a family member who is chronically ill or disabled. Almost half of these working caregivers say that the caregiving expenses have eaten into their personal funds, using up all or most of their savings.

Most Challenging Aspects of Home Caregiving

If you’re caring for an elderly parent or ailing spouse, we don’t have to tell you about the challenges you face. However, we do want to tell you that you’re not alone.

Caregivers across the country struggle with issues such as:

Depression
Isolation
Financial stress
Physical strain
Emotional exhaustion
Insomnia

Many caregivers may also feel guilty about asking for help.

Caring for Those With Alzheimer’s

The stress of caregiving becomes even more challenging if the one you love has Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia.

Those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, may show signs of:

Difficulty completing simple tasks
Problems with balance
Difficulty reading
Confusion over time or disorientation
Problems speaking or writing
Poor judgement
Mood changes—some of which may be severe
Misplacing items
Memory loss

By the way, it’s important to note that every instance of forgetfulness is not an indicator of Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Everyone, from time to time, has issues with memory loss or forgets where the keys are.

The difference is that in those with dementia, this forgetfulness and memory loss is so significant that it interferes with everyday living, making it difficult to complete simple tasks.

Caring for someone with dementia presents certain challenges, especially if your loved one is prone to wander away or gets lost in familiar settings. Alzheimer’s also has certain physical effects on the body that can influence balance and fine motor skills.

But there is relief; Cedar Cove offers the assisted living resources you need so you won’t have to quit your job to care for a loved one. In fact, because your loved one is in good hands, you can return to your role as spouse, son or daughter.

Making the Decision for Assisted Living Care

Many people do not understand what assisted living is or how it can help you or your loved one.

Assisted living means your loved one will have their own room and the privacy and space to function as independently as they are safely able to. If they need assistance, we’re always there to lend a helping hand.

We also feature a secure memory care unit where our employees have received intensive, specialized training to care for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Learn More About Living at Cedar Cove

We are located in the gorgeous coastal Carolina city of Wilmington, NC, where you’re just a short drive from some of the South’s most beautiful beaches. There are a wealth of activities to enjoy, from shopping, to dining, to exploring the WWII Battleship North Carolina.