Over the past 15 years, the number of elderly parents has tripled, and as the population ages, that number will only increase. While every situation is different in the details, the most important aspects of beginning to care for your aging parents boil down to five basic actions.
1. Find Out What’s Needed
Your first priority should be to determine what type of care they need, when, and how often. Make a list of Mom and Dad’s needs, broken down into things that you can address monthly, weekly, daily, or even more often if needed. Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can make a plan.
2. Be Honest About Your Capabilities
Once you have a good idea of what your parents need, you can decide what tasks you can handle. Be honest with yourself; no matter how much you love your parents, some things will be outside your wheelhouse, and there are only so many hours in the day. Choose the tasks you can realistically take on, and prepare to ask for support with the rest.
3. Make Safety a Priority
Now is an excellent time to see what needs to be done around the house and discuss whether this is the right environment for them. If they have been living in the same place for decades, they may not want to make a change. That means you may have to see what you can do to make the home easier and safer for them.
The bathroom is often the first place to start. Consider installing grab bars near the toilet and in the shower. This will give them something to hang onto as they take care of themselves.
Look at their living spaces, too. Are the main pathways clear of obstacles that can lead to a fall? Is there enough light at night to help them get around?
4. Make Legal Changes, if Necessary
Depending on your parent’s needs, you may need legal documents drawn up. For instance, if they need you to take care of their finances, you may need a financial power of attorney. If they want you to have the final say in medical decisions, you will need a medical power of attorney. Have an honest, caring discussion about what they can do and need you to do.
5. Make Sure You Take Care of Yourself, Too
You can’t take good care of your parents if you don’t care for yourself first. Get enough sleep, eat well, and don’t take on more than you can handle, even if that means asking for help. Depression and burnout are real hazards for caregivers, so give your health and sanity the attention they deserve.
And perhaps most importantly of all: remember that your parents are still adults, not overgrown children. Before you take on the caregiving role, gather as a family and discuss boundaries and expectations for everyone concerned, and consider how best to maintain your parents’ dignity while providing the help they need.
Caring for aging parents is a big task, but Simply Medical can help support you in the job. From mobility aids to diagnostic tools such as glucose meters to meal replacement supplements or incontinence supplies, Simply Medical has the essentials every caregiver needs. Visit Simply Medical today.