How to Care for Your Aging Parents
It’s inevitable that as we grow
older, the parents who once cared for and nurtured us require care themselves.
There’s a huge range of circumstances in which the elderly could
use a helping hand, but your priority as their child is to maintain their
health and happiness as they move into their silver years. This article guides
you through some of your considerations and responsibilities towards your
parents, detailing ways in which you can keep them comfortable, fulfilled and
safe well into old age.
Housing
This is the big one, and will often be the most contentious
between generations. That’s because, at some stage in their lives, aging people are
unable to tend to or even navigate a larger home set over more than one floor.
At this stage - with the risk of their falling over or living in destitution
rising - a frank and
honest conversation about a downsizing move to a
bungalow is required. The majority of elderly falls happen when climbing up or
down staircases, and even with a stairlift installed, the risk doesn’t
go away. Helping your folks find a new place they’re
comfortable in will be the best case for
them as
they age.
Medicine
It’s good practice to check in on
your elderly folks regularly so as to ensure they’re
in good health, fine spirits, and that they’re
not concerned about anything. All too often, older people choose to ignore
nagging health problems and constant pains which can either be a sign of early illness
or simply wears them out over time. Make sure you’re
caring for the health of your elderly relatives by asking them if they’ve
got any pains if they’re
taking their medication, and if they have
any doctors appointments upcoming you should know about.
Equipment
It’s unsurprising that elderly
people consider it an indignity to walk with a zimmer frame or get around on a manual wheelchair. It’s
a sign that they’re not as mobile as they once were. However, purchasing
manual wheelchairs, or perhaps a lightweight
wheelchair, can be easily done and it can be helpful for
elderly folks unable to walk long distances. They’ll
still be able to enjoy days out with the grandkids, even if some of that time is
spent sitting down and being wheeled around. The same can be said for a variety
of products for the elderly, including a simple walking stick to help balance
when indoors.
Loving Fun
One of the problems reported by swathes of old people as
they age is what they perceive is their burdensome influence
on their family. They
believe they’re a hindrance to the
lives of those caring for them. As a carer and relative, making them feel
valued is all about tackling this issue, and about telling them, you’re
enjoying caring for them. Ultimately, caring for your elderly relatives is
about paying back the decades of care they’ve
given you, and being able to establish a new kind of relationship with your
folks as they age can be a wonderfully fulfilling experience.
These tips should help you think about caring for your
elderly relatives as they pass through old age.
