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Are You Caring For An Elderly Relative? At certain times during our lives we all go through major transitions. Classic examples include leaving school, starting work, giving birth, getting married. Such transitions can be great psychological challenges for many of us - not least because some circumstances may be thrust upon us, rather than something for which we have planned. The need to begin caring for an elderly relative may be one example of a transition that comes upon us – either suddenly or, in many cases, has crept up almost with our noticing. This is a situation that I have found myself in and it got me thinking about my own Life Transition Therapy and how frequently I am called upon to help people accommodate similar difficult transitions and move forward with their lives. What Concerns May You Have When Transitioning Into A Caregiver Role? When you are only just beginning to take responsibility for caring for an elderly relative and have not done so previously, it can be easy to underestimate the huge strain that may be placed on you as a result, particularly when you have other family members each with their own specific needs. There can be significant emotional implications for all members of the family, as well as yourself. Indeed, the term ‘Elderly Parent Responsibility Stress Syndrome’ is used by experts to describe how a person may feel when they are faced with the prospect of having to care for one or both of their ageing parents. The concerns that you have as you assume such a caregiver role can be extremely varied. You may be worried about what will happen to your elderly relative if they can no longer live independently; can you afford quality care, or will you need to provide care for them in their own home – or even in yours? Will the financial implications mean you have to sell your parents’ home to pay for their care? And if you have other responsibilities such as caring for a young family, how will you balance these with your caregiver role for your elderly relative? Contact Me About Life Transition Therapy I, Tamar Posner, am an experienced psychotherapist working in the Queen’s Park and Marylebone areas of London. I specialise in life transition therapy and can help you to adapt to the often-prolonged challenges of caring of an elderly relative. Get in touch with me today about a consultation, at which we can discuss how I can support you in progressing with your life to the benefit of everyone affected – including your elderly relative.
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