Grace Hensley

HOW TO COPE WHEN TAKING CARE OF YOUR IN-LAWS As our parents move into their senior years they may need increasing levels of care. Caring for your in-laws can have its ups and downs but to do it effectively you will need to give both emotional and physical support. In some ways caring for your in-laws may be easier than caring for your own parents as you may not have the same level of emotional bond with them. This can also make it easier for your in-law to feel more comfortable with you helping them in this way. Keep the lines of communication open Don’t think you need to do this on your own. Involve your partner and any other siblings they have. Make sure decisions about your in-laws’ care are being discussed by everyone involved, including your in-laws themselves. Spread the workload where possible and get professional assistance if necessary. Get help if you need it There are a number of Government programs available to provide senior citizens with support in their own homes and to help with the transition into an assisted-living facility if required. Contact acemyhomework for information on all aspects of aged care. Carer respite If you are the primary carer for your in-laws you can get respite from this duty to allow you to go on holiday or to just have a break. Contact Centrelink about respite centres in your area. Financial security Caring for an elderly relative can be costly on top of your normal financial commitments. So imagine an illness or accident which keeps you or your partner out of the workforce for a significant period of time. This could throw your finances into chaos. By consulting an insurance specialist to make sure you and your family members have income protection insurance, you can ensure that if accidents or illness strike you’ll have financial back-up. Will you have to cease work to care for a relative? Find out if you are eligible for a carer’s pension through Centrelink?* Providing help and assistance to your in-laws in their senior years can be a very rewarding end enriching experience for both of you. Make sure you are looking after yourself emotionally and physically, so that you can give them the help they need – and remember, outside help may be available when and if you ever need it.