How to Avoid Becoming a Helicopter Child When Taking Care of an Aging Parent

How to Avoid Becoming a Helicopter Child When Taking Care of an Aging Parent

How to Avoid Becoming a Helicopter Child When Taking Care of an Aging Parent

When caring for an aging parent, it can be difficult to know when you are overstepping your bounds. At times, it may seem difficult to cope with a parent’s limitations, causing you to push a loved one too hard. Other times, seeing a parent in pain leads to extreme overprotectiveness which prevents a parent from being as independent as possible.

At Physicians Choice Private Duty, we understand that caring for your parent is a tough job. And it isn’t just the patient who suffers. When an overbearing caregiver feels that they are responsible for every aspect of their loved one’s physical and mental health, they can quickly succumb to caregiver burnout.

An article in U.S. News and World Report’s, Are You a Helicopter Child?, addresses the need for adult children to walk the fine line between caring and overbearing. The article contains some practical tips for caregivers, including picking your battles, seeking outside support and taking good care of yourself.

If you are considering taking over the full-time care of your parent but aren’t sure you are equipped to handle the job, call Physicians Choice Private Duty at 402-331-2273. We can offer you some commonsense advice and provide the supportive services you may require so that you and your parent are able to thrive.