Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike Smith:
Janice Campbell, a homeschooling mom, author, and speaker is with us again today. Janice, as listeners consider whether to provide in-home care for relatives, what are some situation-specific questions to ask themselves?

Janice Campbell:
First, you must consider yourself, your family, and the elderly parent. The question that I think you must consider first is whether you love the person you want to care for. Do you have a good relationship? Love can help you survive difficult times and situations.

Second, does the person want in-home care? Would they rather go to assisted living? If they would, let them. Do you and the potential caregivee have a sense of humor? Diapers, dentures, and dementia do create very difficult situations. You must be able to laugh in order to survive.

Do you have a good relationship with your spouse, and does your spouse support the idea of caregiving? If you don’t have a solid relationship to begin with, caregiving challenges it even more.

Finally, what kind of an influence will the caregivee be on your family? Attitudes are contagious, so consider in advance how to address difficult issues. Remember that the priority must always be to love the Lord, your husband, and your children. Everything else comes after that.

Mike:
Janice, we really appreciate your experience and wisdom on this topic! Next time, we’ll think about how to approach homeschooling once you’ve made that decision to provide care. And until then, I’m Mike Smith.