Caring for Aging Parents: When and How to Find the Right One-on-One Caregiver
When your mom or dad starts to need help at home, it’s a moment that can leave you feeling uncertain and concerned about what comes next. You may start thinking, “I need help caring for my mother,” or, “I’m looking for a caregiver for my mom—but I don’t know where to begin.”
If that’s where you are, you’re not alone. Many adult children find themselves navigating new and unfamiliar territory as their parents age. At some point, most families will face the reality that their parents need help at home.
Ensuring your parents stay safe at home while they age is a big responsibility, but you don’t have to carry it alone. Knowing your loved one is cared for by a compassionate, one-on-one caregiver can offer tremendous relief.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand:
How to know when it’s time to consider care
Why more families are turning to in-home help for elderly parents
What to expect from domestic home help for the elderly
And how to find a caregiver you can trust
Let’s dive in and explore these points in more detail.
How Do You Know It’s Time for Help?
Many adult children wait too long to start looking into home care—often because the signs creep in gradually. Here are a few indications that it might be time to explore home care for your mother or father:
You worry about their safety when they’re alone
They’re skipping meals, forgetting medications, or struggling with hygiene
You're feeling overwhelmed or burned out trying to manage your parent’s care alone
They’ve stopped participating in social activities or routines they used to enjoy
You’ve already said to yourself or someone else: “I need a caregiver for my mom or dad”
Don’t ignore these signs or even your own intuition when it comes to your parent’s health and safety. Getting support early can prevent emergencies and make the transition smoother for everyone.
Why More Families Are Choosing In-Home Care
According to a recent AARP study, 88% of adults over 50 want to age at home. It’s no surprise: home is where your loved one feels safest, most comfortable, and most like themselves.
But honoring that desire can be hard without support.
As your parents age, their physical and mental health may decline. They may become more likely to have a fall or medical emergency. Eventually, even small, routine tasks can become challenging for them to do on their own. That’s why more families are choosing to hire elderly care through professional agencies that specialize in home health care for elderly parents.
Hiring a one-on-one caregiver for your parent can provide them help with activities of daily living (ADLs) like dressing, grooming, meal prep, transportation, and more. And whether your loved one needs help a few hours a day or 24/7, there are in-home care options to fit your loved one’s needs.
In-home help ultimately means safety and independence for your loved one—and fewer sleepless nights and more peace of mind for you.
What You Gain by Hiring a Caregiver
Have you been wondering, “Should I be hiring a caregiver for in-home help for my aging parents?” If so, understanding the benefits can help you make the best decision for your family.
Here are five meaningful ways the right caregiver can support your parent and you.
1. Companionship
Loneliness is more than a feeling—it’s a health risk. Research from the National Institute on Aging shows that social isolation increases the risk of dementia by 50%, along with higher risks of depression, anxiety, heart disease, and strokes.
A one-on-one caregiver offers daily companionship that goes far beyond simple conversation. Whether it’s sharing meals, chatting over coffee, or taking a walk together, this consistent connection makes a measurable difference in your loved one’s well-being.
2. Independence
One of the greatest gifts of home care for mom or dad is the ability to maintain their dignity and daily routines. Caregivers help with tasks like:
Meal preparation
Bathing and dressing
Medication reminders
Shopping and errands
Light housekeeping
By providing support where it’s needed, they help your parent stay independent longer—without needing to move to an assisted living facility.
3. Quality of Life
You may be doing everything you can to support your parent. But between work, family, and other responsibilities, it’s not always possible to keep up. That can lead to guilt, exhaustion, or an inability to effectively care for your loved one (or yourself).
Hiring a caregiver for in-home help brings in a professional who’s fully present, focused, and equipped to support your parent emotionally and physically—while also giving you space to show up as a daughter instead of only a caregiver.
4. Peace of Mind
Trained caregivers are skilled at spotting potential hazards (like trip risks or medication confusion) before they become emergencies. They also monitor your parent’s condition and alert you to any changes in behavior or comfort.
This kind of proactive support offers more than safety—it provides daily peace of mind for you.
5. Support for You and Your Family
Caring for a parent is one of the most meaningful things you can do—but it’s also a role that can lead to stress, anxiety, and even physical health issues when done alone. Bringing in senior care for mom doesn’t mean stepping back from your role; it means surrounding yourself with the right help.
Caregivers offer not just practical assistance, but emotional support and guidance through each stage of aging.
How to Find a Caregiver You Can Trust
You might be researching “how to find a caregiver for parents” or “how to find a good caregiver for the elderly”—and that’s an important step.
While some families attempt to recruit caregivers on their own, working with a trusted home care agency can simplify the process and ensure quality. A reputable agency will:
Carefully vet and train each caregiver
Provide ongoing supervision and support
Match your parent with someone who fits their personality and needs
If you’ve been saying, “It’s time I start looking for a caregiver for my mom,” you don’t have to navigate it alone.
At Commonwise Home Care, we offer home help for the elderly across Charlottesville, Richmond, Williamsburg, and Charleston. Whether you need home care for mom a few hours a week or full-time support, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence. Our caregivers aren’t just helpers—they’re compassionate professionals dedicated to building relationships and delivering excellent care every day.
Our ReadyCare Program is a free resource designed to help you plan ahead, understand your options, and feel prepared—not panicked. If you’re ready to get support for your loved one, learn more about our ReadyCare Program today.