5 Caregiving Tips For Aging Parents And Seniors
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Nearly 90 percent of the elderly want to stay and age in their home. However, with old age and health issues taking over, it can be a little challenging.
As adults, you are often unable to understand how aging will affect your parents. Elders may also dismiss the idea of getting caregiving services, fearing losing their dignity and sense of autonomy. But with age catching up eventually, it is time for the close family members to step in.
Assisted living is an excellent way to keep your aging parents comfortable and develop a better relationship. But one of the most complex challenges to overcome is figuring what kind of care your aging parents need and when. Your parents won’t probably tell you that they require a helping hand. It is for you to determine when they need your attention and help.
This guide contains five best tips to help you adjust when caring for elderly parents:
- Access How Much Care Your Parents Need
It is essential to assess the amount of care and attention your aging parents need.
Take a step back and let them control their activities, be it financial decisions or everyday routines. Evaluate their ability to regularly complete Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental ADLs (IADLs). These are essential daily activities that your aging parents should perform effectively.
You can note all the occasions when your aging parents faced difficulty in completing their tasks. This way, you can also identify a particular time of the day or night when an elderly needs the most attention.
It will help you understand the level of care your parents need in everyday life.
Generally, most elderlies need help with IADLs before ADLs. If they face health issues and incontinence problems, consider premium adult pull ons that are comfortable and easy to use.
- Form a Caregiving Team to Share the Work
Caregiving responsibilities demand time and attention. At moments you may feel social isolation and stress. So it is essential to take time for yourself. You can do it by asking for help or accepting support from your spouse, friends, and neighbors.
For this, you can involve the other family members or appoint a caregiver. Make sure everyone understands his/her responsibilities as a team. You might assume the primary role and focus on essential aspects while leaving smaller tasks to supporting members. It will help reduce the burden on you.
Sharing responsibilities also allows you some free time to recuperate and refocus.
- Know Your Financial and Assistance Options
Always estimate the future costs to keep you prepared for the financial weight of caregiving. Track everything, including the medical care of your aging parents, caregiving supplies, and food.
This will give an idea of your financial position, and you’ll know whether you can afford the care or might need some financial help. If caregiving leads to significant economic consequences, seek out financial support.
Many organizations and programs provide funds to cover some of the caregiving costs. Research for government programs or get in touch with your attorney to qualify for Medicaid that will pay you for long-term care of your elderly parents.
- Find a Way to Provide Them With Nutrition-Rich Food
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There is also a risk of malnutrition in aging parents and seniors due to multiple reasons like a lack of appetite, depression, anxiety, and low stamina to shop and prepare meals.
For these reasons, most aging parents skip meals or eat processed foods that don’t offer any nutritional value.
Nutritional needs are significant for seniors, especially if they are ill or recovering from medical conditions.
It can be time-consuming to prepare every single meal from scratch, so connect with ready-made meal services to help take the pressure off.
Getting affordable and straightforward ready-made meals will make sure your aging parents take their meals on time. Regular access to healthy and nutritious meals will meet their nutritional needs daily and boost their overall health.
- Prioritize Your Self-Care
Caregiving can be both rewarding and stressful.
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Caregivers are often so engrossed in their work that they forget about their own needs. Caring for yourself is an essential aspect of caregiving. You need to stay well to care for your parents.
Pay special attention to your diet and get good quality sleep. You can always turn to yoga or meditation to reduce stress and calm yourself. Also, involve yourself in activities that are relaxing and energizing.
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Conclusion
It is essential to find a balance between caring for your elderly parents and your own life. While caregiving is not always an easy task, it is often the top priority for their children.
Follow these tips to give your love and attention to your aging parents while still being productive at work. Also, try to get all the help and resources you’ll need along the way.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
