Our bodies slow down as we age, and we might not be able to perform tasks as well (if at all) as we once could. Seeing our parents go through this stage before we do is a normal part of life, and it’s understandable that you want to assist them as much as possible so that they are not only well cared for, but also maintain their dignity as they age.
At some point in our lives, most of us will be responsible for an elderly parent. Caregiving may be alternated with work and children for some people. Some people are willing to drive hundreds of miles to care for their parents. Every situation is different, but if your elderly parents are unable to care for themselves, you may need to help them. It’s critical to give them the help they need while maintaining as much independence as possible. With all of the changes that come with getting older, they might feel that one of the few things they still have power over is their independence. Elderly people gain a sense of life, success, and self-worth as a result of their freedom.
As a consequence, you must consider their dignity in addition to their wants, needs, and best interests. Make sure you’re not straddling the line between supportive and pushy. Here are a few ideas for helping your parents age happily and successfully for as long as possible without losing their dignity.
Assess their abilities
Everyone is different, and some people may have less problems than others. Before you take any action, make sure you know what your parents are capable of. If they have mobility problems, for example, it might be a good idea to place aids in their home to assist them in getting around. If their needs become so severe that they need full-time treatment, it might be a good idea to look into help that will help them with day-to-day tasks. From assisted care to dementia care, many care homes offer help for people of all abilities. You’ll be able to find the best match for your parents and rest assured that they’re receiving the care they need.
Keep up with doctor visits and medications
It sounds basic, but one of the most important things you can do is make sure your parents are keeping up with their doctor visits. As people get older, health issues tend to sneak up on them. Even if they feel fine, regular checkups can catch things before they become bigger problems. Encourage them to go, even if they’re the type to brush it off. If they’re stubborn or forgetful, offer to help them schedule appointments or even go with them. Sometimes, just having someone there to take notes and ask questions can make a big difference.
See the world through their eyes
Seniors say their farewells to their jobs, health, energy, mobility, friends, and freedom gradually but consistently. This is enough to make a person irritable, frustrated, moody, or desperate. When your parents are grumpy, try to empathise with them rather than telling them to calm down. Showing that you understand why they’re feeling so hopeless will help them communicate with you more effectively.
Communicate with them
Parents frequently want to hear from their children. Today’s innovations make it easy to stay in touch, from messaging to social media. Make it a habit to call your parents at least once a day. Set an alert on your phone if you need help remembering.
Communication is more than simply picking up the phone when it comes to making critical decisions. Instead of giving your opinion, ask any questions you have and get theirs. Listen and provide encouragement and support, but only provide your own advice when asked. Involving your ageing parents in decision-making shows that you value their opinions.
Offer refuge in your home
If money is tight and you don’t want to put your parents in a nursing home, another choice is to open up your home to them so that you can assist them with daily needs. Keep in mind that you will need to make changes to your home to accommodate their mobility, and you may need to devise a scheme to ensure that everybody can live in peace and harmony. Perhaps renting out a portion of your home would be a good way to give your parents some freedom while still being close enough to help if needed.
Make time for them
As previously said, some people, even in their senior years, do not have many problems that hinder them! Loneliness and a lack of things to do can be a major source of stress for the elderly. Make more time for your parents, even if they don’t need you in daily activities! Here are some great ways to show you care:
- Having them over for dinner on a regular basis is a good idea. Having something to look forward to will drastically alter one’s mood.
- Take them shopping; it’s a perfect way to catch up when accomplishing something. While you’re out, why don’t you get a cup of coffee?
- Bring the kids over to visit them. Seeing their grandchildren is one thing that lifts the spirits of the elderly.
- If you can’t make it over, set aside some time to call them – it makes a bigger difference than you would expect!
Encourage your parents to be more social
Elderly people not only need their family in their lives, but also friends too. When an elderly loses their mobility, energy, hearing, or vision, isolation may be harmful to their health and survival. In order to maintain an independent lifestyle, your parents need to get out of the house and socialise with people who share their interests. Look for things to do in their neighbourhood or at a senior centre nearby. Encourage your parents to engage in social events, whether it’s a weekly chess game or a monthly knitting club.
Give them the freedom to complete daily tasks alone
One of the most significant disadvantages of aging is the loss of mobility, which necessitates relying on friends and family for transportation and makes them feel like a “burden.” Consider getting them a mobility scooter or walking stick so they continue to have their independence and dignity. This will give them the ability to roam and live their lives as normally as possible without your support.
Growing older is a normal part of life, as is the need for additional assistance when you can no longer do it on your own. Use these suggestions to assist your parents in enjoying their days, and remember that life is too short to forget about important people like your parents!
Consider a medical alert system
If your parents are living alone, it’s normal to worry about their safety. Medical emergencies can happen without warning, and the idea of them being alone when something goes wrong is scary. That’s why it’s worth looking into medical alert systems. These devices allow them to call for help with just the push of a button, giving you both some peace of mind.
If you’re in Canada, there are plenty of options to choose from. When exploring Canadian medical alert systems, consider what features would be most useful for your parents. Some systems have fall detection, which is great if they’re a bit unsteady on their feet. Others come with GPS tracking, which is helpful if they’re still active and like to get out and about.
Look for systems that are easy to use and comfortable to wear. If they’re not comfortable with a wristband or necklace, they’re less likely to use it. Make sure they know how it works too. The last thing you want is for them to panic in an emergency because they forgot how to call for help.
Have tough conversations sooner rather than later
Talking about the future is never easy, but it’s better to do it before things become urgent. You don’t want to wait until they’re in the hospital or facing a major health issue to start figuring things out. Have a conversation about their wishes for end-of-life care, finances, and legal matters. Make sure they have a will, a power of attorney, and healthcare directives in place.
It’s also a good idea to talk about their living situation. If they’re struggling to keep up with housework or if safety is becoming a concern, it might be time to look at other options, like moving to a retirement community or assisted living. Just make sure they’re involved in the decision-making process.
Remember, you’re doing your best
Looking after your parents as they age is no small task. It can be overwhelming, emotional, and even frustrating at times. But at the end of the day, you’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be present.
If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask. Lean on other family members, friends, or even professional caregivers. Taking care of your parents doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone. Just keep showing up, checking in, and letting them know you care. That’s what matters the most.
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