Over 34 million Americans have provided unpaid care for an adult, older than 50 years old, in the last year.
This shows us that caring for an aging parent is soaring in popularity as it’s cost-effective and lets your loved one stay in their own home. Perhaps you’re starting to care for your aging parent, but you’re feeling overwhelmed with the change of circumstances.
Sounds familiar? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Here are nine tips to know about caring for an aging parent.
1. Assess Your Parent’s Needs
The most important tip for how to care for the elderly is understanding their needs. Assessing your aging parent will also reveal whether this is too much to handle alone so you can hire additional help.
Create a daily, weekly, and monthly schedule to give you an idea of the type of care that’s required. In some cases, it could be around-the-clock care while others may need a nurse to deliver and sort out their medication.
If you’re not sure of your parent’s needs, then bring a notepad and record whenever your aging parent struggles.
For instance, consider whether they are suffering from anxiety or if your parent is becoming more confused. Once you’ve found the root of your parent’s issue, then you make a positive change that they’re happy with.
2. Consider Your Situation
Caring for aging family members takes dedication so consider your lifestyle and if you can look after them. Also, factor in how close you live to your aging parent, whether your health allows caring for another, and if you both enjoy each other’s company for long periods.
Don’t feel guilty if you need to hire additional help, it’s best to make an honest assessment that benefits you and your parent.
3. Include Your Parent Throughout
As you figure out how to care for aging parents, it’s a no-brainer to include them in the process. Nobody wants to lose control over their lives which is why you must respect them as you plan for their care.
You should also discuss the situation with siblings for a second opinion and so you can split the responsibility. For instance, if your sister is a whiz with numbers then let her oversee the financial aspect while you cover the medical side like getting your parent a walking cane with seat.
4. Prioritize Home Safety
Before caring for your parent full-time, make sure the home is free from safety hazards.
For instance, install grab bars in the bathrooms and along the stairs for additional support. You should also replace lightbulbs so every room is bright and make sure appliances are within an arm’s reach to keep your parents independent.
Plus, remove rugs or cords so there are no tripping hazards.
5. Figure Out Finances
When caring for the elderly, knowing how to finance care is crucial. Depending on the level of care, research government and private benefits programs to see whether you can get support.
And if your aging parent currently receives a pension, then ask whether you can use part of it to cover medical or other aspects of their care.
6. Get Help When You Need
Caring for elderly parents has its challenges which means seeking help when you’re struggling. But don’t feel guilty about sourcing additional services because you’re still providing your parent with high-quality care.
One popular option is enrolling your parent in an adult day program where they can chat with others while receiving care. You could also hire a caregiver several days a week so you have time to rest.
7. Make Communication Easy
A simple way to keep your parents safe is to ensure they can contact you 24/7. Save your family’s numbers to their phone with an internet connection. Not only is it a safety hazard, but you don’t want your parent to feel isolated as it can wreak havoc on their mental health.
8. Seek Support From Loved Ones
You must have a solid support system to help guide you throughout the process. Further, if your parent is in another neighborhood then meet their neighbors or friends so they can give you an honest account of how your parent is.
And don’t be afraid about reaching out to siblings or cousins, especially on off-days. You’ll be surprised at how willing most families are to help your parent, whether it’s doing chores or keeping your parents company while you unwind for the afternoon.
9. Don’t Neglect Self-Care
When you prioritize self-care, then you can fully support your parent. Because of this, make sure you eat a balanced diet and get a good night’s sleep every night.
You should also exercise daily and enjoy other forms of mindfulness so you’re not stressed or anxious. For instance, use a meditation app or attend a weekly yoga class to keep you energized.
And if you need somewhere to vent, consider visiting a therapist once a week to prevent you from becoming emotionally burnt out.
Our Caring for an Aging Parent Tips
Hopefully, you’ll use our caring for an aging parent tips to help you through the process.
Start by figuring out the level of care your parent needs, how to access financial support, and whether you have the mental capacity to care for your loved one. You should also listen to your parent’s needs and seek help if it becomes overwhelming. Good luck!
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