Home Care

The holidays, for the most part, are over. Some people keep their Christmas trees or Menorahs up until February, sure, but the calendar doesn’t lie. You’ve given out gifts to the people in your life: children and friends, spouses and partners, and your aging loved ones. But at the end of every holiday, we’re often left with a nagging worry—did we show our gratitude and appreciation to everyone we meant to?

My dad is the most socially and physically active person I know. In his mid-seventies, his social calendar is still jam-packed: between swimming, playing guitar, and hanging out on the golf course, his lifestyle puts my own to shame. He also has a pretty serious heart condition that requires a pacemaker and a slew of medication. Fatigue can hit him during the day, sometimes making him unable to drive.

Caring for an aging loved one should be a rewarding part of your life, so it’s important to consider ways to avoid burning out in your role as caregiver—and hiring outside help to support you may offer some relief. Whether it’s for a few hours, a few days, or full-time, bringing in a professional can help family members to advocate for themselves and to create much-needed downtime—not to mention, professional caregivers bring a lot to the table, including valuable expertise and a fresh perspective. For families looking to hire a professional caregiver, the most common first step is finding a reputable caregiver agency.