Freedom to have family and friends visit whenever they like. The ability to carry on with their own personal habits and routines. People who live on their own often have more limitations on their activities and social life.
Living with an elderly person can be a very rewarding experience for families. Elderly people tend to become less active as they get older, but the right conditions will bring them back to their old self. A strong bond also forms between child and parent because of shared experiences and common goals.
Unless there was a clear-cut choice of a successor to the role as a caregiver, it is very unlikely that a whole family would engage in this activity. Therefore, usually only one child has to take on this role. Selflessness and responsibility are two of the most important values that families look for in their children. This experience can be a very rewarding one.
It is important to remember that living with an elderly person is a two-way street and both sides have responsibilities. Elderly people often need assistance with bowel and bladder functions, mobility, changing clothes, washing up etc. In return they provide their child or grandchild with companionship, affection and motivation.
It is now believed that living with an elderly person has several positive psychological effects on children and grandchildren, which include:
– increased maturity;
– sense of continuity;
– responsibility;
– patience;
– caring nature;
– strong bond with the elderly parent.
We should remember however, that there are also some limitations to this arrangement such as:
– the elderly person may become too dependent on you;
– it can be difficult and sometimes frustrating, especially when your parent or grandparent is in need of assistance with certain tasks. It also requires a lot of trust;
– financial burden;
– strains relationships with friends and other family members.
These are not only experienced by children but also elderly people who live alone. Elderly people often become depressed, lonely and suffer from boredom when they live on their own. This is especially the case with those that have lost their spouse or suffered health problems in the past year.
Living with an elderly person can be a very rewarding experience for families. Elderly people tend to become less active as they get older, but the right conditions will bring them back to their old self. A strong bond also forms between child and parent because of shared experiences and common goals.
Linda is currently living with her parents after a divorce. She loves being able to have her family close by, especially since her parents are in their twilight years. “It’s nice to be able to have them around so I can take care of them the way they took care of me when I was growing up,” Linda says with a smile on her face.
Do you have an elderly parent or grandparent who lives alone? Think about the benefits that you could experience by taking on the role of caregiver to your loved one. You can benefit from companionship, affection and motivation.
If you have any relatives that are in need of assistance with everyday tasks such as washing up, making food or using the bathroom, please consider inviting them over to live with you.
