As parents age, providing elder care can be a challenging prospect.
As we get older, there comes a time in our lives when we must start to think about taking care of our elderly parents as they age. For many of us, the thought of caring for our parents can bring up a range of feelings—from anticipation and joy to frustration and sadness. After all, our elderly parents have been there for us for many years and now it's our turn to help them in this new stage of their lives.
Taking care of elderly parents can be a rewarding experience, both physically and emotionally. It can show your parents that you still share a deep connection and care for their safety and comfort. At the same time, it can be incredibly demanding and difficult as you must juggle family, work, and taking care of your own health.
With loved ones entering the later stages of their lives, many families grapple with the tough decisions, emotions and considerations that accompany the care of an aging parent. For those considering the best course of action for elderly care, there are a few major points to keep in mind:
Assess their needs.
First and foremost, assess the more immediate practical considerations for elder care. Once a loved one is past a certain age, the everyday responsibilities associated with care can range from memory issues to physical limitations. In these cases, the best type of elder care may center around providing assistance inside or outside of the home. Depending on the daily needs and available budget, options can range from hiring an in-home caretaker to allow a caregiver to live at home to exploring assisted living communities.
Create a plan.
On a more emotional level, being present and attentive with a parent when they are frail and vulnerable can have an immeasurable impact. Although money and resources are valuable for providing elder care, time and companionship can be invaluable for the elderly parent. Showing up to doctor’s appointments, celebrating holidays and special occasions and simply spending time with a loved one can provide them with companionship and a sense of security.
Consult with medical professionals.
Many elderly adults require specialized medical care, including medications, treatments and therapies that necessitate the aid of a medical professional. When deciding which type of medical care will be most beneficial for an elder, it is important to review their medical history, any pre-existing conditions, potential risks and current functional needs. Consulting with a family doctor or geriatric specialist can be extremely helpful in understanding the medical care needs of a loved one.
In some instances, giving an elderly parent the Level of independence is important to their well-being. In certain cases, providing an elder with simple freedoms and regular activities can help to improve their feelings of connection to the world. Depending on the specific elderly care needs, this can include errands such as shopping, attending religious services or just visiting with friends.
Elder care may be a challenging prospect, but it is nevertheless an honorable endeavor. As a loved one experiences the twilight years of their life, providing them with personalized assistance and companionship can usher them into these later stages with dignity, respect and appreciation.