Caring for an Ageing Parent: 5 Key Tips

Over 65’s have an almost 70% chance of needing long-term care.

The level of that care will depend on the individual and their needs. It might only be to help with the household chores and getting around. For others, they might need more intensive, constant care around the clock. The important thing is recognizing when your aging parents need that care and what will help.

Keep reading for these key tips on caring for an aging parent so you know how to be there for them.

1. Try To Set a Routine

Setting a routine for elderly care helps you all know what to expect. It also makes it easier to spot any “warning signs” and changes so you can act faster.

You’ll know what’s normal, and will see any subtle changes faster. Some of these changes can be hard to spot otherwise. It also helps you manage your time to avoid burnout and stress.

2. Make a Budget and Know the Costs

Caring for the elderly can be expensive, so take a look at what you are spending in detail. Or build up estimates for what to expect. This is a great chance to look at any free or low-cost options.

It might be the case that your parents need senior living facilities or assisted living. This is great for parents who still want that independence but need a little more intensive help.

There are assisted living activities to get back into hobbies and meet new friends. But this can add up, so you must find one in your budget and have a way to pay for it.

3. Have Boundaries

Setting boundaries isn’t easy, but if you don’t set them it’s easy for you to get burnt out. Healthy boundaries help set everyone’s expectations while also meeting everyone’s needs.

It’ll also create a healthier relationship with your elderly parents. You won’t overstep their boundaries and they won’t overstep yours. This is how to approach care in later years.

4. Keep Communication Open

Make sure everyone has a voice and there are open lines of communication. This should include your other siblings and your elderly parents too.

This helps when it comes to more difficult decisions to prevent them from turning into a crisis. It also helps everyone get on the same page, and feel listened to, especially about the finances.

5. Plan Ahead

You can’t plan for everything and some situations will develop fast. But, you can put in place preventative measures to help mitigate the risks. For stairs, consider a stairlift to help inside, or a ramp up to the front door for outside. As your parents age, mobility and stability becomes even more important, which can require planning ahead for any emergencies. One of the ways to ensure this is to include advanced technologies that are designed for senior care. For instance, technology for fall detection for seniors, can be efficient. These systems can ensure that you and other caregivers are instantly alerted, resulting in swift action to be taken.

You can also install a home alarm that will connect immediately to medical personnel. Or give them a watch/pin button they can have on them when they’re out and about too. This gives your parents independence still, and you won’t need to feel like you’re hovering.

Caring For an Aging Parent Made Easier

Caring for an aging parent isn’t always easy, but when you have the right approach it can be rewarding. The key is to make sure everyone has a voice and keep the communication open.

Senior living communities should be a consideration if there are more care requirements. Be open, honest, and set boundaries for everyone, this is the basic foundations to build upon.

If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out our other blog posts for more.