The average life expectancy in the US is 79 years. Do you have a plan for when your parents get older?
Caring for elderly parents requires careful planning. With the right tools, you can make sure they have everything they need. Planning ahead of time can help them make the adjustment as well.
Here’s everything you need to consider when caring for an aging parent. With these tips, you can help them enjoy this time in their life.
Get started with these tips today.
1. Talk With Your Parents
First, make sure to sit down and have a conversation with your parents. As they age, their needs will likely change. You can’t make assumptions about the type of elderly care they need.
Instead, ask them questions about their daily life. For example, do they have any trouble getting up in the morning without help? Consider:
- Hygiene
- Cooking
- Housekeeping
- Medications
- Transportation
Do they need someone with them 24/7? Would they prefer to live at your home, or in a facility?
Understanding what your elderly parents need will ensure you take care of them properly. Otherwise, you could leave gaps in their plan.
2. Review Your Finances
Once you make a list of what your elderly parents need, you can determine the finances necessary to accommodate them. Make a list of all potential costs, including food, medications, and their living situation.
There are government programs available if you need to apply for financial aid.
3. Explore Your Options
There are many options available for people who are caring for elderly parents. For example, you might want to look into a senior living facility. There are other types of elderly care facilities available based on your parents’ distinct needs.
They might prefer an assisted living facility to maintain their independence.
There are now over 800,000 people living in residential care facilities. Your parent might need a specialty facility, though. For example, about 40% of residents have dementia and therefore need memory care facilities.
You can find other options for retirement homes here.
4. Gather Support
You don’t have to go through the process of caring for an aging parent alone. Instead, gather a support system that can provide the help you need.
For example, you might want to consider a live-in caregiver or nurse who can visit your loved one regularly.
5. Take Care of Yourself
When caring for an elderly parent, it’s important to make time for yourself, too.
First, make sure to protect your physical and mental wellbeing. Keep yourself healthy with a balanced diet and enough sleep each night.
If you feel emotionally drained, join a support group. Speak with other people who are in your shoes.
They can help you focus on yourself and your loved ones.
5 Tips for Elder Care: The Essentials in Caring for Elderly Parents
Caring for elderly parents can become a rewarding experience. Keep these five tips in mind as you make the transition. With these tips, you can establish a plan of action without burning yourself out.
Looking for more easy tips? We can help.
Explore our latest guides today for more helpful advice. For more information on aged home care services be sure to head over to Let’s Get Care.