Your aging parents need love and care to stay healthy and safe. While caring for the elderly can be difficult because of the demands involved, it is your duty to provide everything they need for their well-being and safety. Since most seniors prefer to age at home rather than in an assisted living facility, caring for your aging parents at home or hiring a caregiver increases empathy and helps you build a stronger relationship with them.
Unlike assisted living, where a schedule is followed, caring for your aging parents at home gives them a sense of purpose because they can engage in different activities each day. In addition to keeping an eye on your parents, caring for them allows you to rebuild the family unit because you can have more frequent family gatherings. It also gives you peace of mind because you are assured of their health and well-being. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of our tips for caring for aging parents.
1. Invest in a medical alert system
A medical emergency or fall can happen at any time, but if you are not there to help your parents in time, the consequences can be disastrous. Investing in a medical alert system protects your parents and gives them the peace of mind of knowing that they can get help at the touch of a button.
Other beneficial features include carbon monoxide detectors, GPS trackers, recordings, and a reminder for when to perform specific tasks such as taking medication that improves your parents’ health and safety. In addition, this system allows seniors to be independent and go about their daily lives without depending on anyone, boosting their self-confidence. Comparing living companion fees will help you choose the system that best suits your budget and your parent’s needs.
2. Understand their needs
Understanding your parents’ needs helps determine how much care they need and at what cost. To find out what they need, consider assessing their medical needs, home safety, mobility, cognitive health, personal hygiene, family support, meal preparation, and social interaction. Determine the support they receive and the extra help they need, and record all the details in a care log to track your parents’ needs. This can help you determine how much money you will need without asking for help.
3. Keep them physically active and engaged
Talk to your parents about the benefits of staying physically and mentally active and engaged, and encourage them to make it part of their daily routine. This can help them build strength and flexibility, reduce the risk of falling and reduce feelings of anxiety. Older adults can also suffer from isolation and loneliness due to a lack of connection with peers and a support system.
Consider asking your parents to join a social club to connect with others, eliminating stress. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and increased symptoms of dementia. To keep your parents engaged, enroll them in an exercise program for seniors, take walks together and find activities they enjoy doing.
4. Create a healthy diet
A well-balanced diet is essential for your aging parents. It helps them stay energetic, maintain a healthy weight, and get all the nutrients they need. It also reduces their risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. A poor diet for your parents leaves them with weak muscles and bones, which increases their vulnerability to infections.
With the help of a nutritionist or doctor, adjust your parents’ diet if they have underlying health problems. To create a healthy diet, give them foods rich in vitamins, fiber, minerals, and nutrients. Omit salt, processed sugars, and saturated and trans fats.
5. Don’t forget about home modifications
Home safety hazards increase over time, making it easier for seniors to trip, fall, or get hurt. Consider making simple home modifications such as clearing floors and walkways of clutter, rugs, and ropes. Add handrails throughout the house and grab bars in the bathroom. Update lighting to ensure all rooms and walkways are well lit and light switches are easily accessible.
Make sure appliances are within reach and working properly. You can also give them a room on the first floor, so they don’t always have to climb stairs. Consider widening doorways and changing the flooring to make sure it’s not slippery. You can also invest in smart home appliances to improve safety and security.
Sound off in the comments section below, and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about taking care of your parents.
