Aging is a natural part of life and most people need some extra support as they get older. Supporting an elderly parent can be challenging and they may reject your help in the beginning. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to show your love and support, without taking away their independence. With that in mind, here is a guide to caring for elderly parents:
Assess your parent’s care needs
Your first step
should be to assess your parent’s limitations and care needs. Make sure that
you approach the subject with sensitivity and be prepared for your parents to
resist your support. Many elderly people find it difficult to admit that they
need help, especially if they are used to being very independent. Sit down
together as a family and encourage your parents to speak openly and honestly
about their needs. According to Pasadena Health Center, some
common healthcare needs of seniors include arthritis, heart disease,
osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s Disease. These conditions
can cause a variety of physical and mental symptoms that make daily activities
more challenging. For instance, you may notice that an elderly parent finds it
difficult to walk without aids or can no longer drive safely. Assess the level
of care your elderly parent needs and then create a plan to provide the support
they require.
Discuss the benefits of
assisted living
The care needs of
elderly people tend to increase as they get older. Your parents may develop
health conditions that make it difficult to live independently and you might
become concerned for their safety and wellbeing. In this situation, it might be
a good idea to discuss the benefits of assisted living. For instance, assisted
living communities offer extra security and plenty of fun senior-friendly
activities. According to residents at Brightview
senior assisted living in Rockville, MD, one of the biggest factors in
choosing an assisted living community is the overall community feel and
connection to other residents.
Be honest about the support you
can provide
It is natural to want
to help your parents as they get older, but you must be honest about the
support you can provide. Caring for someone is hard work and it can take a toll
on your physical and emotional health. Consider your other commitments and
think realistically about how much help you can provide.
If your parents live
close, then you might be able to offer assistance a couple of times a week.
However, this will not be possible if you live far away or have a demanding
work and family schedule. If your parents need more support than you can
provide, then consider other care options. For example, you could arrange for a
professional carer to visit your elderly parents at home and assist with their
daily activities and routines. You could also hire a cleaner to help with
household chores. This extra support will allow your elderly parents to
maintain their independence and freedom. You can have peace of mind knowing
that your parents are receiving the care they need to maintain a good quality
of life as they get older.
