How to Care for Aging Parents: Top 10 Tips

It is inevitable for parents to grow old and require specialized care. With time their bodies give in, and in quite a good number of situations, their mental health takes a toll. At this point, they may require constant watching over throughout the day or for the better part of the day. However, stress and burnout may come as a result, and therefore, having sustainable ways to care for these senior citizens is critical.

1. Having Them at a Specialized Care Facility

Certain conditions may necessitate that an aging parent is given more professional care at a facility. It is essential to understand the facility that best suits the aging parent especially when considering the difference between memory care vs nursing home. When suffering from a condition such as dementia, a memory care facility would be the best pick instead of having them admitted at a nursing home.

2. A Home-based Caregiver

A caregiver comes in handy in relieving some pressure. Watching over an aging adult can become overwhelming, and the services of a professional caregiver become helpful. However, it is critical to be careful when hiring one. Getting someone who resonates and gets along with aging people is of utmost importance. Having a clear job description, running background checks, and having a legally binding contractual agreement with a caregiver goes ahead to ensure that one has the right fit for the job.

3. Enrolling them in an Adult Day Program

When living with aging parents, having them alone at home throughout the day may not be very safe. As they are social beings, loneliness may creep in when left alone for long periods. Having them enrolled in an adult day program is beneficial for all parties involved. For the senior citizen, it helps them interact with others and remain social and mentally healthy. For the caregiver, it reduces burnout from caring for them constantly.

4. Senior Companion Volunteers

Many people are hesitant to subject their aging parents to a specialized care facility unless a situation necessitates this. An excellent way to beat exhaustion is to get a volunteer from a state profile to care for the senior adult. These volunteers are usually adults over the age of fifty-five who have all their faculties interact and have gone through training to care for older adults who are no longer independent. Caregivers can take much-needed breaks while senior citizens get healthy companionship.

5. Enrolling them in Respite Care

Respite care allows a caregiver of an aging parent to take a more extended break from the responsibility. It is usually for a month or less and can be done at home or a facility such as a nursing home. Sustainability is typically the hallmark of this type of care as the caregivers can keep the aging parent at home for longer.

6. Sharing the Responsibility of Taking Care of Aging Parents

While an aging parent and family members may prefer one particular person primarily shouldering the role of caring for the aging parent, it is very tiring. Sharing this responsibility among siblings becomes essential. Siblings may, for example, agree to take turns every three months in caring for their aging dad.

7. Necessary Financial Support

Caring for an aging parent is not a walk in the park. It can become financially draining over time. Finding private or government-based programs that offer to cover some costs becomes essential. Utilizing an aging parent’s pension fund to cover expenses can also come in handy.

8. Maintaining a Self-care Routine

It may sound counter-intuitive, but it does hold water. When one can take care of themselves both physically and mentally, they are likely to be more energetic, thus providing better care.

9. Having Ready to Eat Meals Constantly Available

Stocking one’s kitchen with pre-cooked meals is essential when providing aging parents with much-needed care. It eliminates burnout when preparing meals from scratch and ensures that the parents’ nutritional needs are met on a day-to-day basis.

10. Communicating Well with Caregivers and Parents

Taking care of an aging parent can take a toll on those doing the work. Caregivers could find themselves at crossroads with family members, while siblings could find themselves in constant disagreement about taking turns. Learning how to communicate while seeking input from the aging parent becomes essential.

Conclusion

Assessing the situation at hand becomes critical when handling an aging parent. From how much one can manage to financial implications and sharing of responsibilities. Having these in mind ensures the best possible care is provided.