Caring for an aging parent at home means being in constant motion: managing medications, preparing nutritious meals, driving to doctor’s visits, coordinating care, providing emotional support—all while simultaneously juggling work, personal, and family obligations. Sometimes, though, at home care may not be enough support for your elderly parent. If you feel like your caregiving responsibilities are becoming more than you can realistically handle, read on.

Recognize the “A-ha” Moment(s)

Even with at home care assistance and a strong support network, helping an elderly parent who requires constant care can be extremely draining. That’s why it’s essential for caregivers to recognize those “a-ha” moments when you realize your loved one’s needs have exceeded what you can provide.

It may start with frequent trips to the ER or a fall down the stairs. Maybe they become ill from eating spoiled food or forget to take their medication for several days. Other warning signs that it may be time for a move to assisted living include:

• Infrequent bathing
• Wearing the same clothes for days on end
• Unexplained weight loss
• Forgetting to pay the bills
• Choosing not to socialize or participate in family activities

If you notice any of these, it may be time to explore senior living options like assisted living or memory care.

Realize You Need Support

Once you’ve realized you can’t proceed without outside support, start searching for a licensed care manager. They’re trained to help families lay out a clear picture of their loved one’s current and future care needs as well as their possible care options.

To get started, check out the Eldercare Locator, a searchable database for care managers in your area. And be sure to involve your elderly parents in these discussions as much as possible, so they feel like part of the decision-making process. That way, if a transition to senior living is warranted, they’ll be more likely to co-sign the decision, rather than feeling forced to make a move.

Practice Self-Care

There’s more than one valid reason to seek help with an elderly parent. But one of the most crucial is how you as a caregiver are being impacted. And if you don’t have the physical or emotional resources you need, the responsibility to provide your parents with quality care can feel insurmountable.

If you’re becoming physically or emotionally exhausted, you’re experiencing caregiver burnout, a sign you need more support. Luckily, senior living communities like Thrive offer clinical guidance, care management assessments, and practical advice to help families determine the next step in their loved one’s care journey.

Be Transparent with Your Loved One

Conversations about transitioning out of the home to senior living can be emotional landmines. In any discussion with your loved one, try to remain empathetic and listen carefully to their concerns, no matter how small.

At the same time, reassure them that this decision is about helping them, not about controlling them. And remember: if your parent has a sense of agency in the decision-making process, they will be more likely to recognize the benefits of care outside the home.

Consider Your Next Steps

If you’re struggling as a caregiver, transitioning your parent out of at home care and moving into assisted living can be the most sensible option. Still, it can be emotionally difficult. The good news is, Thrive Senior Living communities provide quality assisted living services for older adults that offer help with the activities of daily living, compassionate care, a vibrant community, and frequent opportunities for social engagement.

Many Thrive communities also offer memory care, which provides a secure environment and specialized programming for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

For more guidance as you weigh your next steps, download our Caregivers Support Guide, which features tips for balancing caregiving responsibilities, ways to cope with caregiver challenges, and how to know when it’s time for a move to assisted living. You can also call one of our senior living experts to learn more about Thrive or schedule an in-person tour of one of our communities!