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As you get older, so do your mom and dad, so it’s important to know how to help your aging parents. Read on…
Being a child of an aging parent is – well, terrifying.
You know your parents are getting older, and that means that they are becoming more vulnerable every single day. They may be unable to do the things they formerly could and require more assistance from others.
This vulnerability is scary for all of us watching it happen, because our parents are superheroes to us when we are children. We don’t imagine anything could possibly happen to them, including age! However, it’s a reality we have to face and prepare for. The transition doesn’t have to be terrifying if you know what to do.
As adults, we can recognize when our parents need our help. We can see that a PCS program could be good for them. And we can see when it’s time to back off and not crowd them, too.
You want your parents to stay safe and healthy. And a part of that will be in the way you figure out their needs and understand their options.
When you make decisions, this can all feel very overwhelming. But coming up (below) I’ve got plenty of suggestions for you to be able to help your aging parents. Through this, you can ensure they’re getting the help they need, and you won’t feel overwhelmed by your responsibility.
If you’re new to my site, hi there! I’m the bestselling author of a longevity and wellness book, Life is Long.
I love sharing many research-based secrets to living longer and healthier – and at your best mentally and emotionally.
Because I wrote a book about aging at your best, I write a lot about various topics related to getting older.
In this article, you’ll find a list of things that you can do to help your parents be as healthy and as safe as possible as they age.
It’s not always easy to care of a parent when everything feels overwhelming. But all you need to do is take a step back and ask them what they need from you. In this manner, you can identify what they require and provide it for them. For instance, if they’re struggling to move around but still wish to spend time outdoors regularly, it may be a great idea to invest in transport wheelchairs. This way, they can do things they enjoy as they age.
You can assess their need for support outside the family, what they need medically and for their mental health, too. It’s ideal to address any problems they may have to prevent them from worsening. Plus you can consider their need for a social life and their needs to avoid isolation and loneliness.
Make a list based off of all this. Next, ensure that you have all the support links in place to make this work for them.
Everyone has their own individual needs. And you mustn’t forget yourself in the pursuit of looking after a parent. If you neglect yourself while taking care of others, it may become more difficult for you in the long run.
You have to know that you have the physical and mental ability to care for a parent in the first place.
And if you don’t, look at how you can ensure that you have support, too. Take breaks when you need to, and ask for help from others if you think you can’t do it alone.
You can’t assume that you can care for the needs of your parents if you can’t care for yourself, too!
Basically, you have to know that you are supported, too. And then you will be better equipped. You cannot pour from an empty cup.
Whichever one of your parents needs your support, you need to include them in the process of working out how to do that.
Ask your parents what they need from you.
Discuss with them how you’ll address their concerns and needs.
Make a plan with them to give them that. Also, consider their suggestions or preferences when making calls about their care.
It’s helpful to be as least intrusive as possible.
They will then feel it’s better to accept help from you!
Before you can make any decisions on your parent’s care, you need to look at their finances and insurance,
You need to ensure that you can actually offer them some help! Your finances may influence which type of care you’ll provide for your parents. So, check your options and see if they have some funds you can utilize to support them during retirement.
There is every chance that you’ll also have to contribute.
And if that’s the case, you want to make sure that you can cover it, too.
Teaching your aging parents to protect themselves is crucial, especially in today’s society where unfortunately, the vulnerable can often be seen as easy targets.
It’s essential to discuss personal safety in a manner that empowers them without causing unnecessary fear. One effective way to enhance their safety is to introduce them to non-lethal self-defense tools such as a pepper ball gun. This device can be a practical option, providing them with a means to protect themselves while ensuring their confidence in handling potential threats.
Alongside physical tools, it’s also important to educate them about situational awareness—keeping an eye on their surroundings and knowing when and how to avoid dangerous situations.
The same applies to online safety—ensuring that they understand the risks associated with digital scams and phishing attacks.
Remember, the goal is to make them feel secure and in control, not just prepared for the worst.
Looking after a parent and their interests is not easy. It’s important that you know that going in, because it will be painful for you sometimes to watch them need you more and more. Be prepared for that!