One of the most challenging things people can experience can probably be taking care of difficult elderly parents. However, it can still be the most fulfilling. Want to know why? Read on to find out.

Taking care of difficulty elderly parents can be very complex emotionally and mentally. As a an adult child of seniors, you may feel all kinds of dilemmas and these can all be overwhelming.

Here are some ways that can help you cope–and keep your sanity too!

12 Ways to Deal with Difficult Elderly Parents

1. Acceptance is key. Your elderly parents, the people you look up to as a young kid, is getting old. They are on a new stage in their lives, and old roles may not apply this time around. You are now the caregiver, and your parents need you the most.

2. Separate emotions from their cognitive dysfunctions. Of all people, you know your parents well. They may be going through cognitive difficulties due to aging and even other disorders that you would need to consult with a doctor. Meanwhile, what you need to do is to avoid taking these things personally.

3. There’s dignity in independence. As they age, they may not be able to do the things they used to before. They need your help. However, if you can, present them their options and allow them some form of independence and autonomy over their lives.

4. Expect anger, aggression, frustrations, and misunderstandings. It’s not going to be a smooth ride. As the roles shift, they may realize that the authority now has transferred to you as the caregiver, and this can make it difficult for them to accept the fact. There will be conflict, but expect these and learn to overcome these.

5. Expect anger as well. There may be times when they would want specific things to be done in a specific way. Fights, anger, and even tantrums might ensue, Don’t take this personally and learn techniques to diffuse the situation as well.

6. Seek their help. They still want to feel valued and important. So, every once in a while go to them for help or assistance, or advice. This will make them feel like their opinion still matters and they are still respected and valued. Just be sure to be sincere and continue to be open to them about your life.

7. Set healthy boundaries. As with everything, you have to set healthy boundaries. Your difficult elderly parents may try to push your buttons or manipulate you into doing something you don’t want to do. Learn to establish what is acceptable behavior and what you can allow. You don’t have to put up with anything that is not good for you own emotional well-being.

8. Get your spouse or other siblings in on it. Allow other people to help, such as your closest, most trusted family members. Of all people, they know the situation better than anyone else. Perhaps you have other family members that your elderly parents have better relationships with, so make sure you have their buy in when it comes to what’s best for your parents.

9. Remember to take care of yourself too. It’s easy to get lost in all the business of caring for your elderly parents. But remember, you can’t serve them well or do your job well if you’re not okay. Be sure to take time for yourself and watch out for your health and well-being too.

10. Learn to have fun. Take every experience in stride. Mistakes can be learning opportunities too. And as your parents age, remember the good times. These are all memories that you build together with your family. Don’t take it for granted.

11. Get support. Be sure you don’t isolate yourself. Talk to a trusted friend or meet up with your friends for some socialization outside of your family. They can provide you with not just a breather but who knows, a better perspective to look at what you are going through with your family and your elderly parents.

12. Rely on your health care providers. Get help from your health care providers such as doctors and caregivers to help you take care of your parents physically and mentally. Don’t hesitate to get their opinion especially at this delicate and volatile stage in your parents’ life to ensure that they are well taken care of and remain healthy.

Should you need help caring for them, contact us at Blessed Home.