Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that our parents are getting older!
However, as they age, their dependency on their children will begin to grow – which can be challenging when you are also balancing your own parental responsiblites. Fortunately, there are many steps that you can take to ensure that you are properly caring for your aging parents, giving you greater peace of mind when doing so.
Priortize family time.
Quality family-time is scientifically proven to enhance an elderly individual’s well-being. For example, one-on-one time with their grandkids is associated with an “increase in feelings of purpose and connection,” which can help to combat the mental health struggles typically associated with aging.
As such, you should pritoize family time moving forward. For example, this could mean that you stop by for more frequent visits, or invite your parents round for dinner on a weekly basis. If your parents are still relativley fit, you should also take them up on any babysitting offers, too!
Play an active role in their care.
If your parents are dealing with specific health struggles, then taking on an active role in their healthcare journey is crucial. For example, this could mean that you attend healthcare appointments with them, or simply remind them to take their medication each day.
If you are not sure how to best show up for them in this regard, then you may want to carry out some research. However, be sure to use reputable sources, such as the U.S. National Library of Medicine or CDC. Alternatively, you may want to ask their docotr/phsyican to provide you with additional resources.
On a similar note, you should also keep an eye out for signs of deteriorating health, such as the symptoms of dementia, so that you can take a more proactive approach to their care.
Invest in a medical alert.
Investing in tools, such as medical care alert for seniors, is another great way to ensure that you are properly caring for your aging parents – especially if they live alone. After all, these devices are equipped with fall-detection technology, that allow seniors to access immediate care and support when they need it. It also allows for two-way voice communication, so tha they can explain what is happening to the relevant responder(s).
Take care of yourself, too.
You cannot pour from any empty cup. This means that in order to be able to show up for others – whether that’s your kids or your parents – you need to take care of yourself first. Fortunately, there are many ways in which you can go about this, such as by:
- Prioritizing self-care, ensuring that you make time for yourself in your busy routine
- Following a healthy, balanced diet that is packded with nutrients
- Ensuring that you get plenty of sleep each night
- Keeping your own health in check by attening regular appointments, exercising regularly and looking after your mental health
Encourage regular health checks.
You should also ensure that your loved one attends regular health appointments, even if they appear to be in relatively good health. This allows them to take a more proactive approach to any challenges that they may encounter, improving their quality of life quite considerably. As such, you should encourage them to visit their doctor and audiologist at least once a year.
Encourage them to maintain an active social life.
As we get older, our opportunities to socialize with others tend to become somewhat limited. For example, mobility-related challenges could mean that we prefer to spend time at home. However, as social connections can prove beneficial to both our physical and mental health, maintaining an active social life is crucial. As such, you should encourage your parents to remain as social as they can.
For example, you may want to encourage them to sign up for a local class or activity, whether that’s a book club or exercise class. In addition to this, you should reach out to them every day, even if you only have the time to send a few short messages – you’d be surprised about the positive impact this can have on their mindset.
Final thoughts.
In short, there are many steps that you can take in order to properly care for your aging parents, providing them with the love and support they need during their golden years. This is a great way to repay them for the support they have shown you (and your children) over the years, while also providing you with greater peace of mind moving forward.
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