Caring for Aging Parents

Caring for Aging Parents

Watching our parents get older can be tough, and this time is often full of challenges. However, it’s also a wonderful time to show your parents the love and support they showed you for decades. These tips will help smooth out the transitional process for both you and your elderly parent. We hope that you find this Caring for Aging Parents post valuable. 

Caring for Aging Parents

Financial Issues Can Cause a Great Deal of Stress

If your parent can manage their bills and taxes, this likely won’t be a concern. However, if they’re unable to properly review credit card statements, organize their tax documents, and manage their senior benefits, you may need to take the reins. You may also need to consider getting a power of attorney or hiring a lawyer—just make sure it’s someone you trust to manage your parent’s money responsibly.

Your Parents May Not Want to Ask for Help

Aging is hard on your parent, and they may not be inclined to ask for help—that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t offer it. For some, asking for help feels like a loss of power and autonomy, so approach your aging parent with sensitivity and consideration.

4 Things to Look for in Prospective Senior Living Facilities

You May Need to Maintain Their Home

If your parent is no longer able to handle the maintenance needs of their home, you’ll likely be saddled with this responsibility. Are you capable of keeping the house in great condition? Are you ready to spend your weekends mowing the lawn or would you prefer to hire a gardener? Make sure you budget for the service providers you’ll likely need to hire – and be sure to do the vetting yourself. Ask around for referrals, and find an individual or company that provides reputable service – in whatever capacity required.

Help Your Parents Get Out There and Socialize

As your parents age, it’s easier for them to find themselves more isolated as limited mobility and the loss of a driver’s license can impact their social interactions. Make an effort to help your parent get out and see their friends and loved ones. Visit as often as you can, and consider local programs designed for seniors. Note: Many cities offer transportation services for seniors, so take a look at your local options if your job prevents you from helping your parent get to and from their social destinations.

Keep Your Parents Safe

As your parents begin or continue to lose control of their faculties, it becomes increasingly important to have safeguards in place that will keep them protected. If your parents live alone or are on their own at your home during the day, consider investing in the best medical alert systems for seniors that you can find. These systems are designed to keep aging individuals safe; they can call for medical help if necessary, and feature GPS capabilities so you can rest assured that your elderly mom or dad is in a safe place—especially important if your aging parent is dealing with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Modern Trends in Senior Living

It’s Okay if You Can’t Do It Alone

Taking care of an aging parent is no small feat, and it’s important to be realistic about your limitations. You want to ensure your mom or dad has the best care possible, and you only have so many hours in the day. Evaluate how much time you can commit to their care, then compare it to the amount of care they need. If you find that professional help is needed, list out the services you think would best serve your parent. Do they need someone to simply check in a few times a day? Do they require constant supervision? Will you need to hire someone to stay with them at night? The answers to these questions can help you narrow down your options and hire a trusted caregiver.

Caring for an aging parent isn’t always easy, but it can be very rewarding. Keep these aspects in mind and ensure your mom or dad is well taken care of. We hope that you enjoyed this Caring for Aging Parents post.

What You Need to Know About Caring for Aging Parents