One of the most difficult things to witness as a child is seeing your aging parents lose their energy and strength over time. Parents who once scolded you for tiny mistakes no longer have the capacity to yell at you, and it’s heartbreaking to see them like this. With aging parents comes role reversal, and you have to be the responsible adult while your parents be the infant that needs care.
88% of people who have helped their aging parents find it rewarding, but it isn’t always easy. More so because you hate to see your parents in a helpless state and desperately want them to be their younger versions. Also because parents aren’t always cooperative in listening to their kids.
Taking care of an aging parent is tricky, especially when you have to manage your work and social life as well.
And it’s okay to make mistakes on the way. Nobody prepared you for this. Let us help you deal with your aging parents without losing your temper!
Aging Parents: Tips for Elder Care
1. Accept & Allow the Transition
The first step is to accept that your parents are no longer the physically and mentally fit individuals that you have seen while growing up. They will get tired quicker, eat less, and skip half of their work. With aging comes tiredness, body ache, fluctuation in blood pressure, vitamin deficiencies, higher chances of diabetes, and more. And no matter how hard you try to stop them from suffering, you cannot.
The acknowledgment and acceptance will help you adapt to their changing needs. For example, you might want to hire a home care service to look after your parents while you are away. The sooner you get help, the better it is for your parents and yourself.
2. Track Changes in the Behavior of your Aging Parents
Aging is difficult for both parents and children. However, identifying behavioral changes at the right time is beneficial in slowing the aging process. Some common aging symptoms to keep an eye include stooped posture, hyper-pigmented spots on the skin, veiny hands, wrinkles, saggy skin, hair loss, and more.
When you observe some of these signs, keep a check on their behavior. Notice if they are experiencing memory loss or difficulty in remembering events. Observe if they are less cheerful or get annoyed with minor inconvenience.
Identifying behavioral changes will help you find relevant solutions for your parents. It will also help you accept the changes likely to come in the future.
3. Assessing the Needs of Aging Parents
Caring for your aging parent at home can be a challenging task because their needs will evolve every now and then. Some days, your parents will expect you to spend time with them, even if it means compromising your work life. On others, your parents would like to be left alone, without any disturbance. Some days, you might want to hire a reliable caretaker for your parents to spend time with them while you are busy.
Learn to unfold their behavioral patterns. You can work with experts with vast experience in dealing with aging adults.
4. Take Your Time Off Think About Your Needs
Allow yourself to let go of the responsibilities when it’s unbearable to take. We understand that you have social needs, and some days, you just want to let the adult life go and let loose.
You cannot be a good caretaker if you don’t feel good yourself. Make sure you don’t compromise on your me-time while looking after your parents. Remember that they are aging, not you. So, don’t end up in a no-life zone!
Don’t miss your best friend’s birthday party or the after-work jazz with your colleagues. Hire a home care service for senior adults and take time off to refresh yourself.
You will end up annoyed and frustrated at all times if you don’t continue with your otherwise normal life.
5. Don’t Beat Yourself Up regarding At-Home Care
You will make mistakes on the way, and you must not blame yourself for it. Sometimes, your parents will fall sick while you are away, but remember that it isn’t your fault. Aging is unavoidable, and so are the consequences that come along with it.
Your parents falling sick and getting weaker is not your fault. You are doing your best, and that’s enough. But there’s no harm in asking for extra help from senior home care services when you feel the need to.
6. Leverage Latest Technology for Elder Care
Technology is your best friend in looking after your aging parents. You can easily monitor their health and track it over time to see the rate of aging. Also, you can hook your parents to funny and light Netflix shows or subscribe to some interesting YouTube channels. Don’t underestimate their potential to make world records in Subway Surfers or take cute selfies that you will cherish later.
You can also teach them how to ask for help from authentic senior home care services, so they can call a friend who knows how to deal with aging adults!
We know that it is not easy to see your parents lose their life, one day at a time. But it is inevitable. Let each day count and give them the best senior home care possible!
