“To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honours” (Tia Walker in The Inspited Caregiver).

Yet, the idea of our parents being unable to care for themselves is not one we look forward to.

You can help your parents stay happily independent for as long as possible if you start those tough conversations now and do some thorough preparation.

Visit frequently. Time together matters, plus you’ll have a better sense of whether they’re safe, mentally sound and in the best living situation. Keep an eye out for subtle changes: Are the plants watered? Is unopened mail piling up? Do they have bruises suggesting they may have fallen? Enlist your family members and trusted neighbours to check in.

Get them involved. Now that they don’t have to manage children or a career, most seniors like the opportunity to reach out and help others. Help them find voluntary programmes where they can take part in educating those who need it or join a charity where they can make a difference.

Help with mental stimulation. Regular activity and cognitive stimulation will help keep their minds sharp. Encourage conversation about world events or their life history and ask their advice for managing current problems. Mentally-challenging games like crossword puzzles and chess are ways to stimulate cognitive thought. Alternatively, help them find clubs or hobby groups in their area.

Remove booby traps. Remove all clutter and unused furniture that might make it difficult to move around freely. In addition, consider the following:

    • Install grab bars near the toilet and shower.
    • Install smoke detectors with a vibrate feature or strobe lighting which can wake up seniors when conventional devices wouldn’t.
    • Set the water heaters at a lower temperature to protect older skin from serious burns.
    • Install non-skid mats, strips or pads in the toilet, bathtub or shower.
    • Ensure that there are night lights installed at necessary places around the house.

Work with the pharmacy. Poor medication management is the number one reason for leaving an independent living situation and going into supervised care. Befriend your parent’s pharmacist and ask what side-effects you should look out for. Most pharmacies can repackage pills that should be taken together in a calendar card, which is an easy-to-use blister pack.

Get help behind the wheel. For parents, the idea of hanging up the car keys can be daunting and depressing but as their bodies stiffen, reaction time diminishes and cognitive abilities wane their driving becomes dangerous. If met with resistance, enlist authorities like the parent’s doctor or the local licensing department. Unfortunately, resentment is sometimes unavoidable.

Talk about finances. If your parents are dependent on you, then it makes sense to have open discussions about the monetary aspects. Be open with them, seek their advice and come up with a workable plan to suite both your needs.

Preserve their human dignity

It is important to keep in mind that elderly adults are not children. While some adults suffer from mental frailties such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, the majority remain mentally active and alert. Always show thoughtfulness, compassion, love and respect. Remember it is company they seek more than anything else.

 

Sources
Baldauf, S. 15 Ways to Take Care of Your Elderly Parents. Retrieved from http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2007/11/02/15-things-you-can-do-to-keep-mom-and-dad-at-home
India Home Health Care. 10 Tips To Take Care Of Ageing Parents. Retrieved from http://www.indiahomehealthcare.com/10-tips-to-take-care-of-aging-parents/
Long, H. Tips for Taking Care of Elderly. Retrieved from http://seniors.lovetoknow.com/Tips_for_Taking_Care_of_Elderly
Singh, H. 14 Ways to Take Care of Elderly People. Retrieved from https://www.aha-now.com/14-ways-to-take-care-of-elderly-people/