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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.