4 Important Tips for Taking Care of an Aging Parent

Elderly individuals are at a high risk for falls, mental illness, and chronic disease. These factors can interfere with your aging parent’s well-being and quality of life.

Aging may be a natural part of life’s process, but that doesn’t make it any less frightening. One of the most common concerns of adult children is if they will be able to provide the level of help their aging parent needs.

Are you looking for some guidance on taking care of an aging parent? The following tips will set you up for success in supporting your loved one.

1. Make a Plan

It’s important to get a realistic idea of what care will look like. Does your parent require 24/7 help? Are they able to perform the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) on their own?

There’s a lot that goes into elderly care. You must consider all aspects of your parent’s personal care like nutrition, hygiene, or medications. Talking to their health care provider can give you insight into whether you’re able to take care of your aging parent at home.

Will they need to go to a nursing home? What equipment will you need? This depends, as those with physical barriers will have different needs than those with cognitive limitations.

While you may consider ramps and lifts for someone who is wheelchair-bound. On the other hand, an essential for those with dementia is a motion sensor alarm for elderly safekeeping.

Taking care of an aging parent is anything but predictable, but having a general idea of what to expect is essential.

2. Get Help

Even if you think you can do it all, it’s important to consider your own well-being and limits. Taking care of someone nonstop can be exhausting and may chip away at your mental health.

Those who dedicate their entire day (and night) to caring for their aging parent should still contract a social service or medical professional. When your parents aren’t able to do most ADLs, their care will be around the clock. Without any help, you won’t be able to run to the grocery store, let alone shop or go to a movie.

Once you have a realistic understanding of their needs and the expectations from you, you’ll need to gauge what extent of care your parent will need. Just remember to stay flexible and open-minded through the process.

3. ADLs Every Day

As mentioned earlier, ADLs are the daily activities that you should expect your senior parent to participate in for basic care. These include feeding, personal hygiene and care, bathroom help, and the ability to move.

If your parent isn’t able to do ADLs on their own, they’ll need continuous care.

4. Find Funds

The financial burden of an aging parent is huge. Even the most basic services are costly. When medical equipment and nursing staff come into play, it can literally drain the bank.

Get the help you need and pursue financial assistance. Check out government assistance programs, scholarships, insurance, and donations for help.

Taking Care of an Aging Parent

Taking care of an aging parent is both challenging and rewarding. The key is to prepare yourself for the reality of caring for your elder parent while being ready to encounter change.

The idea of caring for your parent might be a bit foreign, but these tips should give you some insight into the nuances of elderly care.

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