Caring for your elderly parents could be one of the most difficult and meaningful experiences of your life. On the one hand, it feels good to be able to express gratitude to your parents for all of their love, care, and support when you needed it the most. On the other hand, as your parents become more reliant on you for their daily activities, you must now deal with the anxiety, stress, and time commitment required to care for them.
Our senior care professionals have made the following five suggestions to help you care for your elderly parents.
1. Set Expectations
You should discuss each other's boundaries and expectations as you approach this new chapter in your relationship before beginning to care for an elderly parent. This step is equally important for everyone because it represents a significant life change for everyone involved. When caring for elderly parents, patience and compassion are required. Try to understand that your parents are not the same people they used to be. Everyone has a difficult time accepting aging and all of its consequences.
2. Communication
Speaking with your elderly parents as soon as possible, even before problems arise, is one of the most proactive things you can do. Start talking about their desires and points of view as soon as possible so that you and other family members are on the same page and can make plans for the distant or near future. It is critical to pay attention to their wishes and address their problems in order for them to feel heard and understood.
3. Home Safety Improvement
Speaking with your elderly parents as soon as possible, even before problems arise, is one of the most proactive things you can do. Start talking about their desires and points of view as soon as possible so that you and other family members are on the same page and can make plans for the distant or near future. It is critical to pay attention to their wishes and address their concerns in order for them to feel heard and understood. It is obvious that no one likes to rely on others for everything, and senior citizens are no exception. You can make the house accessible and safe to give your elderly parent(s) a sense of independence.
To give your elderly parent(s) a sense of independence, you can make the house accessible and safe. Areas that may pose a risk to the elderly:
Bedroom (place a lamp, telephone, or flashlight near the bed);
Living areas (have clear pathways between rooms);
Bathroom (place a slip-resistant rug adjacent to the bathtub for safe exit and entry);
Kitchen area (store food, dishes, and cooking equipment within reach).
Many slips and falls are due to hazards that are easy to fix. By making some simple changes, you can decrease the chances of injury and help protect your loved ones.
4. Keep them Engaged and Active
Encourage the elderly people in your care to cook at least one meal per day.
They should also walk around the house to pick up small items and do simple housework that stretches their muscles. Here are some activities to help you guide and assist your loved ones in staying healthy and active:
Teaching a New Skill to Others;
Water Aerobics;
Fitness;
Yoga;
Walking.
5. Hire Long-Term Help
Even when approached gradually, providing care for elderly parents can be overwhelming. But you don't have to go it alone. There are numerous options and resources available for family caregivers, such as caregivers who come to your parents' home to care for them. You can either work with an agency or find caregivers on your own.
Taking care of elderly parents is a difficult job. It can be both physically and emotionally exhausting. Furthermore, it can be difficult to do when you have your own life and a family to care for. In these cases, we step in to provide the best home care services in the Hayward and Stockton area. We specialize in assisting the elderly and disabled in maintaining their independence and receiving services in the comfort of their own homes.
Call us at 510-367-7182 to learn more about our home care services in Hayward and Stockton.