Are you trying to be a source of support for your elderly parents? Do you sometimes wish you could discover better ways to care for their needs?
More than 62 percent of seniors in the US participate in some kind of daycare program. That’s one way to keep seniors active during the day.
As your parent’s age, new challenges appear, and they will need more support. Here are some great tips to make elderly parent care easier for you.
1. Create a Care Plan
Do some research to find out what financial supports are available for your elderly parents. Your plan should consider current needs, but it should also look to the future.
Create the plan with your parents and make adjustments to suit their personal preferences. Evaluate their financial situation and determine if they can manage their money in the near future.
Caring for elderly parents is the responsibility of your entire family. Discuss ideas with other members of your family and listen to their input.
2. Assess Their Needs
Understand any physical challenges your elderly parents are facing today. Look at any home modifications you can make. Look at hiring support people to take care of more complex tasks.
See if they can manage their daily care and activities. Review their current medications and check that they understand when to take them. Create a system to keep them organized.
3. Encourage Social Activities
Depression and loneliness are common among older adults. Help them find ways to remain connected with old friends and family. Plan activities that will interest them and invite other seniors to attend.
Help them develop an exercise plan and take them to the fitness center or their local pool. Encourage them to join a fitness class.
Show them how to use technology to connect with senior groups online. Help them join online groups that support digital literacy for older people.
4. Elderly Parent Care for Dementia
If your parent shows signs of confusion or memory loss, they may need dementia care. In these situations, it’s essential to have them go to a doctor for an evaluation.
If they have dementia, you make a dementia home care plan to help them remain in their home as long as possible. Work with your parents to find solutions to their problems. Find a professional support worker to help take care of them.
5. Remain Flexible
Once you have care aids in place, keep a flexible mindset. As their symptoms progress, they may need additional support. You may need to reassess the situation and make changes to help them with new challenges.
If they can’t remain in their own home, find ways to help them understand the need to move to a care facility. Help them with the transition and be sure to reassure them.
Care for Your Parents With Confidence
When you take the time to look at the challenges of elderly parent care, you will discover solutions that you can put in place right away. As things change, you can reassess their needs and find new ways to support them.
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