Parents getting older sometimes require constant supervision or help with the simplest activities around the house, and often they are unable to provide this for themselves. If your parents live with you, you probably get more than just an extra set of hands – their growing dependence on you might be emotional as well.
It can be difficult to know how to help our aging parents as they transition into their golden years. Often, we are so used to them taking care of us that it’s hard to switch roles and become caregivers. But with a little bit of effort, we can make life easier for both. Here are some tips on how to do just that.
Adjust the house according to their needs
One of the most important steps to helping our parents as they age is to talk to them about their needs. Ask them what they are comfortable and not comfortable doing, and make a list of everything they need help with. This way, you can both be on the same page and avoid any misunderstandings.
In case they are having a hard time climbing up and down the stairs, consider setting them up downstairs or adjusting the house to their needs. The home elevator specialists at www.stiltzlifts.co.nz suggest installing a home lift as it can make them more independent and they can still enjoy the privacy of upstairs bedrooms. You can also consider installing a stairlift, although the home lift is more ideal as it is more spacious.
If your parents live with you, it’s important to try and accommodate their needs as much as possible. This might mean changing the way your home is set up or getting them special equipment that will make life easier for them. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from professionals or other family members – everyone wants what’s best for your parents, and they will likely be happy to pitch in.
Make sure they take their medications
Many people don’t like taking medication, but as we age it becomes even more important. Pills and vitamins may help our bodies stay healthy and strong, but if we don’t take them it can result in serious consequences for our health later on down the line. If your parents live with you, make sure they take their medications on time and that they understand why it’s important. You can help them organize a pill reminder system or use apps to alert them when it’s time for the next dose.
It might be difficult to convince your parents to take their medications, but you have to remember that you are looking out for their best interests. Just be patient with them and try to show them that you’re concerned about their well-being, not just trying to boss them around. This will make it a lot easier for you to take care of your aging parents.
Let them help out
Many kids these days are used to going from one activity to another – going to school or work, meeting friends, etc. But our parents don’t have that kind of schedule anymore, and they might like having something to do all day. If you live with them, ask if there’s anything they want to help out with around the house. Chances are they’ll be happy to contribute, even in small ways like cooking or doing laundry (although if their health prevents them from doing those things, you’ll need to help).
This is another way you can make life easier for your parents as they age. When someone has a lot of time on their hands, it can be easy for them to get lonely or bored, which both lead to depression and other mental health problems that are challenging to deal with. By letting them help out around the house, you can make them feel like they’re still contributing and hopefully avoid some of those issues. If your parents suffer from mental issues, you should take the time to hear them out. You can also enrol them on an online therapy program. They will get counselling sessions via phone, messaging, and video. Too, the providers offer a variety of mental health services regardless of the plan you choose.
Set up a time each day and do something together
A great way to keep your parents happy and healthy is to spend time with them each day. Whether it’s dinner and a movie or just breakfast and a walk in the park, you should set up a specific time each day where you can do something together. Even if they aren’t sick or feeling bad, this will help remind both of you that you care about each other and they still have a place in your life.
Make sure to spend time with them even if they aren’t feeling well. A lot of the time, older people who live alone start to feel isolated from everyone else, which can lead to all sorts of problems for them down the line.
If your parents live with you, it’s important to try and accommodate their needs as much as possible. This might mean changing the way your home is set up or getting them special equipment that will make life easier for them. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from professionals or other family members – everyone wants what’s best for your parents, and they will likely be happy to pitch in. Just be patient with them and try to show them that you’re concerned about their well-being, not just trying to boss them around. This will make it a lot easier for you to take care of your aging parents.
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