By Jenny Austin-Krzemien, Certified Concierge Care Advisor
Navigating Senior Living Decisions: Why Asking for Help Matters
As the eldest daughter of aging parents with one younger brother, I’ve often found myself taking charge of family projects and responsibilities. For most of my life, that “can-do” attitude has served me well—whether planning events or organizing travel. But when it came to helping my parents through an unexpected crisis, I learned a tough lesson: doing it all alone isn’t always the best approach.
For example, when my parents contracted COVID-19 while vacationing in Alaska, I believed I could handle everything myself. Initially, I took control, thinking I didn’t need to ask for help. But soon, I found myself overwhelmed, overloaded, and dangerously close to making poor decisions out of stress and desperation. It wasn’t until I finally reached out to family and friends for support that I realized how essential it is to ask for help.
The Caregiver’s Dilemma: Trying to Do It All Alone
I’ve seen this same struggle play out time and again with adult children—usually daughters—trying to find senior care for their aging parents. Many of us want to be the hero in our parents’ eyes, demonstrating that we can support them during their time of need. But being a family caregiver, especially when reaching your emotional and physical limits, makes it hard to step back and see the bigger picture.
It’s easy to become so tired and desperate that you rush into decisions—choosing the first senior community you come across without fully understanding what your parent’s future care needs may require. What happens if that community can’t provide higher levels of care? What if, when your parent runs out of private funds, the facility doesn’t accept Medicaid? Too often, families find themselves having to move their loved ones twice, creating unnecessary stress for everyone involved.
The Importance of Asking for Help and Expert Guidance
It can be hard to ask for help, especially when you don’t even realize such help exists. Many people reach out to me only when they are mentally and emotionally exhausted, saying, “I wish I had known about your services sooner.” Unfortunately, I’ve had clients who initially made hasty decisions, only to move their loved ones a second time when things didn’t work out at their first chosen community.
It’s an understandable situation. We all want to do the right thing for our parents, even if that means shouldering the burden alone—whether or not it’s sustainable. But as I’ve learned, the most constructive thing we can do is spread the word about the support that’s available.
How Concierge Care Advisors Can Help
At Concierge Care Advisors, our mission is to help families avoid the heartache of making rushed decisions. With expert guidance, we assist families in finding the right senior living solution the first time. Our services come at no cost to families, and we are here to lighten the load so you can focus on spending quality time with your loved one rather than navigating complicated systems on your own.
- We help you explore all your options—from independent living to memory care, assisted living, or adult family homes—so you don’t end up in a community that can’t meet your loved one’s future care needs.
- We walk you through the financial considerations, helping you understand which communities accept Medicaid or other benefits when private funds run low.
- We handle the details, coordinating tours, vetting providers, and arranging paperwork, so you don’t have to shoulder the entire process alone.
You Don’t Have to Walk This Path Alone
When it comes to caring for aging parents, the best thing you can do for them—and yourself—is to ask for help. There’s no shame in relying on experts to help you make informed decisions. You don’t need to do this alone, and having an advisor by your side means fewer mistakes, less stress, and more peace of mind.
If you’re navigating senior living decisions or simply need advice, reach out to Concierge Care Advisors today. Our compassionate team is here to guide you every step of the way—free of charge—so you can focus on being there for your loved ones.
📞 Contact us today at 855-444-7364 or visit Concierge Care Advisors for your free consultation. Let us help you find the right solution the first time, saving you time, energy, and heartache.
