While many people look forward to their golden years, most people would agree that getting older can also be difficult when it comes to health and other factors. If you have parents who are reaching their senior years or already there, you've probably noticed changes in their abilities and needs. For many people, this can be difficult to see, and the need to help is natural. If your parents are getting older and you want to help them to live out their remaining years as comfortably as possible, you're far from alone. Read on for ways you can provide comfort and support for your ageing parents.
Living Arrangements
As your parents get older, they will inevitably face challenges around their living situation. Whether it's taking out the garbage, clearing snow, or running errands, it's normal for older adults to struggle with daily tasks as they age. If your parent is struggling with daily living and wants to stay in their home, one way to help is to assist them in hiring people to take care of things like ploughing the driveway and mowing the lawn. You could also call an agency that would visit your ageing parent a few hours a week for wellness checks and to help with tasks.
If keeping your parent in their home is not an option, it's a good idea to begin having open conversations about their needs and making a change when it comes to their living situation. Including a parent in big decisions about where they'll live is important to everyone's overall happiness. When possible, be transparent with your parent about their needs and go with them on tours of various facilities and types of places that might work well for them, like nursing homes in Ames, Iowa, if you live in the corn state. As you make a list of possible options like the ones you'll find through Senior Living Pros, you'll be able to weigh the pros and cons based on your parents; needs.
If keeping your parent in their home is not an option, it's a good idea to begin having open conversations about their needs and making a change when it comes to their living situation. Including a parent in big decisions about where they'll live is important to everyone's overall happiness. When possible, be transparent with your parent about their needs and go with them on tours of various facilities and types of places that might work well for them, like nursing homes in Ames, Iowa, if you live in the corn state. As you make a list of possible options like the ones you'll find through Senior Living Pros, you'll be able to weigh the pros and cons based on your parents; needs.
Products and Assistance Aides
Regardless of your parents' living arrangements, it's also important to be sure they have the right products and services for their needs. If your parent enjoys walking, for example, you'll want to be sure they have the best arch support insoles and a great walking companion to keep them motivated around their healthy habits.
Assistive devices such as walkers, wheelchairs, and grabbing sticks can all be great ways to help a parent to keep up with hobbies and community interests.
Many older people worry about staying connected to the people, places, friends, and hobbies they love as they face health challenges. You can support your ageing parent by visiting regularly, ensuring you'll help with transitions, and checking in on them often. Sometimes, just having someone to listen can be a great help in making them feel less fearful or alone.
As you do what you can to take care of an older parent, knowing you've done your best is important for peace of mind, but it's not the only thing you can do. If you're a caregiver or struggling with your parents' challenges yourself, you'll want to reach out to a therapist or support group for you. This will help you to juggle multiple responsibilities or feelings of guilt that are perfectly normal.
At day's end, whether you're taking your parents to the podiatrist, an ankle surgeon, or on a tour of a nursing home, the best thing you can do for your parents is to be there to help when they need you. While healthy boundaries are important and you'll need to find balance for your other responsibilities, too, doing what you can to help your older parents is a good way to make memories you'll have and maybe even cherish forever.
Assistive devices such as walkers, wheelchairs, and grabbing sticks can all be great ways to help a parent to keep up with hobbies and community interests.
Personal Supports
Many older people worry about staying connected to the people, places, friends, and hobbies they love as they face health challenges. You can support your ageing parent by visiting regularly, ensuring you'll help with transitions, and checking in on them often. Sometimes, just having someone to listen can be a great help in making them feel less fearful or alone.
As you do what you can to take care of an older parent, knowing you've done your best is important for peace of mind, but it's not the only thing you can do. If you're a caregiver or struggling with your parents' challenges yourself, you'll want to reach out to a therapist or support group for you. This will help you to juggle multiple responsibilities or feelings of guilt that are perfectly normal.
At day's end, whether you're taking your parents to the podiatrist, an ankle surgeon, or on a tour of a nursing home, the best thing you can do for your parents is to be there to help when they need you. While healthy boundaries are important and you'll need to find balance for your other responsibilities, too, doing what you can to help your older parents is a good way to make memories you'll have and maybe even cherish forever.