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Benefits of Caretakers of Elderly Parents

Taking care of elderly parents can be challenging for adult children. This is especially true when the adult child is still working, married and raising children of his own. However, today the average family caregiver is around 50 years old, and one-third of Americans are involved in caregiving in some way. While caregivers face stress, caring for elderly parents has benefits for both the caregiver and the care recipient.

  1. The Benefit of Giving Back

    • Adult children sometimes want to take care of elderly parents because it is a way to show their appreciation. Many parents sacrifice tremendously for children to reach their goals. Often, adult children desire opportunities to do something special for their parents. Being present for an elderly parent and helping him through difficult times is one of the ways adult children can show appreciation.

    Benefits for Children Who Live in the Home

    • Taking care of an elderly adult in the home can benefit children who live in the home. If the older adult is not fully incapacitated, children may benefit from the presence of their elderly relative. Helping with caregiving tasks, such as helping to make beds or take a snack to an older adult, teaches children to be responsible, and sensitive to the needs of others.

    Safety Benefits

    • Generally, families want the best for their elderly relatives. Caring for an elderly adult is a way of providing a safe and nurturing environment that can delay or postpone certain diseases. Older adults feel less isolated and the outcome may be more positive due to better care. For example, a family caregiver may make sure that the elderly adult eats well, takes medication on time, and gets some exercise. This is not always possible in a facility where staff turnover may be high, or minimal staff may be available to provide quality care.

    Financial Benefits

    • In some cases there may be some financial benefits associated with caring for elderly adults in the home. If the older adult has substantial financial resources, she can compensate family members for providing care. Some states pay relatives to care for ailing family members. This alleviates some financial stress because the adult caregiver may be able to give up working outside of the home but will still have financial resources necessary to support the family and the elderly adult's needs. Through local senior services agencies, families can obtain in-home help with housekeeping and basic care, and medical supplies. These services can reduce the out-of-pocket costs for families. Because the available resources are different for each county and state, you should contact your local senior services agency. This agency may administer the funding and if it does not, a family caregiver specialist can link you with the appropriate agency. Access the online U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (see Eldercare Locator) to find services. The Veterans Administration provides assistance to family caregivers of post 9/11 veterans. Family caregivers can receive a stipend through this program.

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