Do you have elderly parents? If so, then you know that at some point, they’ll need help with certain tasks. No matter how much they moan and groan about it, the fact is there are going to be a lot of things your parents can’t do on their own. Whether it’s because their health has deteriorated or because their physical abilities have waned, there are going to be a lot of tasks your parents can’t do anymore.
1. Figure Out The Type Of Care They Need
The first thing you need to do is figure out what kind of care your parents will need. Are they going to be able to cope on their own for most things, but need a helping hand when it comes to certain tasks, like going grocery shopping? Or do they need round-the-clock care?
Another thing to consider is their health. Sometimes, elderly people tend to forget to take their meds, or they don’t like to go see the doctor. Some of these things you can do on your own, but some elderly care services are best left to professionals. For example, if your parents need help bathing and doing the laundry, it’ll be up to you. But if they need to do some physical therapy, a nurse will be the best to handle it.
You may also explore long term care linked here for more information on the types of care available for elderly individuals. While these decisions may be difficult, it’s important to assess the level of care your parents need and find the appropriate resources to help them.
Of course, a nursing home is an option, however, keep in mind that a lot of elderly people don’t like those. They would much rather have their own space and freedom, but that’s where round-the-clock care comes in.
2. Listen To Them
There’s a good chance that your parents will complain about needing help. They might also be stubborn and refuse to ask for it in the first place. So in order to get them what they need, you have to listen to them when they tell you how they’re feeling.
And not just with their physical health. If they feel lonely, listen to them. Keep in mind that loneliness can be more dangerous than anything else. If your parents are lonely, they might become depressed. That’s why it’s important for you and your family members to visit often, so your parents don’t feel alienated or abandoned.
If you don’t live nearby, then you should talk to your parents often. Calling them up once a week or maybe even twice will suffice. It might not seem like much, but it’ll certainly make them happy.
3. Make Sure They’re Staying Active
As you already know, staying active is extremely important for elderly people. This means encouraging your parents to go out and do things they enjoy doing. For instance, if they love baking, then perhaps you can help them start a blog about their recipes.
In addition, it’d also be beneficial for your parents to join a group or community that caters to people their age. Taking a walk in the park together is also a good idea. It’ll give you an opportunity to bond with your parents while making it easier for you to spot any potential health issues. Light exercises are a good way to start, and you can always help them slowly ease into more strenuous ones.
You can even create fun activities you can do together. If they usually read the daily paper, start buying those yourself, and compare crossword puzzles you’ve done together. It might sound odd, but it’ll keep them active while also making the time you spend with each other more enjoyable.
4. Include Them In Your Life
There’s a good chance that as your parents grow older, their social circle starts to dwindle. Seeing as they might not want to spend time with people their age, it can be difficult for them to make new friends.
Even if your parents had some close friends at some point, chances are those relationships will fizzle out over time. So if you want to help your elderly parents out, invite them over for dinner or on some outings. You can even take them with you when you go shopping or on a family outing with your spouse and children.
5. Move Them In With You
As your parents get older, it might become more difficult for them to live by themselves. At some point, they’ll need help with cooking and/or cleaning. It can also be dangerous for them to be alone since they might slip and fall in their homes.
The thing is not all elderly parents want to move in with their kids. After all, they made their own lives and independence is important to them. However, if your parents are open to it, you should think about moving them in with you.
6. Let Them Be Independent
Sometimes, as people get older, they start feeling like they’re losing their dignity. They might even stop wanting to ask for help. This is especially true if they’ve always been someone with a lot of pride, with their actions speaking louder than words. Consider their personalities and incorporate that in the way you approach them. Even children don’t like to be treated like babies, and the same is true for elderly people as well.
When your parents get older, they’ll need help in some way or another. It’s important that you’re there for them when they need someone to lean on. After all, even the strongest people out there feel weak at some point. The bottom line is that even if it’s difficult for you to see your elderly parents struggle, you should still be there for them in their time of need. Be supportive and understanding, and they’ll appreciate everything you do for them.