What You Need to Know When Supporting Aging Parents
As our parents age, supporting them becomes an essential and meaningful responsibility. While their needs may change, maintaining their independence and dignity is just as important. It’s important to approach the process with empathy, ensuring they are involved in decisions regarding their care and well-being.
Below are key considerations for effectively supporting your aging parents.
Communicate Openly and Regularly
Regular conversations about their feelings, needs, and how they wish to live will help avoid misunderstandings. It’s always nice to ask about their care goals and preferences so they feel heard. When you involve them in decisions, you can make sure they understand that they maintain control over their lives. If you do not live closer to your parents, plan your regular check-ins to see how they are doing and encourage them to voice any concerns they may have.
Monitor Their Physical and Mental Health
Subtle signs of health issues, such as difficulty with balance or memory, can sometimes go unnoticed. Regular checkups with healthcare providers can help to monitor conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cognitive decline. Keep track of appointments and medications to ensure they receive the care they need.
Be mindful of their mental health as well. Aging can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation or loneliness, especially if they live alone. Help them engage in social activities through family gatherings, community events, or virtual groups. In fact, The Fountain of Youth Clubhouse provides an excellent social environment where your parents can engage in meaningful discussions with peers while maintaining an active social life.
Modify the Living Environment for Safety
Aging parents may need some modifications to their home to continue living independently. In addition to home modifications like grab bars and improved lighting, the Fountain of Youth Clubhouse offers in-home services that can help assess and implement changes needed for a safer living environment. If mobility becomes an issue, consider ramps, stairlifts, or rearranging the living space to minimize the need to navigate stairs.
Understand Their Financial Situation
Finances can play a big role in determining the level of care your parents may need or want in the future. It’s wise to review their financial situation, including their income, savings, and any potential benefits or insurance plans they may have. This understanding will help you support them in making financial decisions that align with their long-term care goals.
Consider speaking with a financial advisor specializing in elder care to check that their finances are in order and that any potential concerns are addressed early.
Explore Resources for In-Home Help
Many aging parents prefer to stay in their own homes, and plenty of services can help make that possible. In-home health care services can provide support for daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, bathing, and medication management. Hiring a caregiver, even part-time, can significantly improve your parent’s quality of life without requiring them to move into an assisted living facility.
Adult Day Healthcare Centers like Aging With Grace’s Fountain of Youth Clubhouse are a perfect way to save money and provide needed medical services in a fun and healthy environment. The clubhouse is open 10 to 4 M-F and other days and times by appointment. Combined with Aging With Grace’s At Home Health Help (non-medical services), coming to the clubhouse regularly can enable aging parents to live in their homes longer and better! Aging With Grace also offers Home Improvements for needed safety modifications and other improvements and repairs.
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