Stress of helping aging parents may lead some to home care providers

A survey conducted by an online support network for adult children who act as caregivers for their parents suggests that using outside home care options may improve their stress levels and ability to help their aging mothers and fathers.


When asked to help out with parents who are unable to handle some elements of retirement living, sons and daughters both expressed concerns about the amount of time needed, adding that their familial duties often amounted to a second job for the 53 percent who provide more than 40 hours of care a week.


Using a home care service could actually improve the health of adult children as well, since many say that while they feel guilty about not being able to help their parents, stress from their new role has led to development of conditions like hypertension and acid reflux.


Those who are looking for a way out often say that they don't know where to turn, but the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have recently released online rankings of home care options and nursing homes for use by Americans who are looking for their next step in caring for their aging parents.

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