So your elderly parents won’t accept your help. Often times, they would say they don’t need help or that they’re fine. However, you as an adult child of a senior knows that they are likely struggling. From keeping tabs on where they put their glasses or taking that regular trip to the doctor, it helps to keep an eye on the needs of your elderly parents. Eventually, they would need help.
Of course, while your elderly parents may seem fully independent now, there will be times that you would have to care for them. Also, you may be taking on the role of the caregiver already but you just don’t know it.
In any case, here are some issues you need to address as you take on this role. For some, being a caregiver to elderly parents may seem straightforward. Other times, it can be very challenging. Before you fully take on this role, consider these 9 things.
9 Things to Consider When Caring for Elderly Parents
- Daily Tasks. These are simple yet essential tasks that you do daily. As your parents age, they may have more mobility issues or may be less independent. This will make accomplishing daily living tasks harder. This said, you must be prepared to assist them with these. From managing finances, helping with transportation, medication management, and meal preparation, to giving them baths and dressing them. Their specific needs may also determine what type of care arrangement you can provide or that you should give your elderly parents.
- Family Dynamics. How will caring for your elderly parents affect your relationships and family dynamics? Caring for an elderly can be challenging and may bring about a mix of emotions, not to mention stress as well. These must be taken into careful consideration and must be discussed among family members.
- Safety. Address issues such as financial vulnerability, and underlying health issues that may provide risks.
- Medical and Health Issues. These are the most common that you have to tackle. Does your elderly parent have chronic conditions that require monitoring, treatment, or ongoing medication? They may be recovering from an illness or a surgery. Do they have serious medical conditions? These are also critical things that you should consider as you care for your elderly parents.
- Legal and Financial Issues. They may not have the capacity anymore to manage their financial affairs, thereby making them vulnerable to financial exploitation.
- Housing Concerns. Is your home situation ideal for your elderly parents to age in place? Do you need a safer, more engaging, or supportive environment? What other options are you considering?
- Plans. Do you already have plans in place for the care of your elderly parents? How are you going to prepare for medical emergencies or accidents?
- Self-care. While helping an elderly parent can be rewarding, it can also be a source of stress. It can also take a lot of your time. You may easily neglect your own needs and wellbeing, so it’s important to take time off for yourself. How you care for yourself can also affect your ability to care for others.
- Quality of life. Your elderly parents deserve love and dignity even in old age. They deserve to have a place where they can thrive. You must consider their wellbeing, allowing them to be socially connected, engaged, and living day by day with purpose. They may also need a sense of belongingness so they don’t feel isolated and lonely.
At Blessed Home, we provide a safe, secure, and engaging environment where they can thrive and be taken care of properly by professionals. Talk to us today to learn more.
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