As you work tirelessly to build a brighter future for you and your family, it’s easy to forget about the very people who laid the groundwork for it all—your parents.
Nonetheless, it can be a daunting and emotional task. From providing financial assistance to accompanying them to the doctors’ office, caregiving can be taxing.
Without further ado, here are our top 7 tips to make caring for your parents a more pleasant experience.
Top 7 Tips For Taking Care of Ageing Parents
Lets take a look at what you can do
1) Find Support From Your Circle
While it can seem overwhelming at first, know that you are not alone in this journey.
Your siblings, relatives and even friends can all pitch in to help care for your parents. If they’re not around, you may even ask for help from your neighbours and mutual acquaintances. You’d be surprised to see how many people are willing to lend you a helping hand!
If you’re taking the role of the primary caregiver, you can delegate smaller tasks to others to lighten your load. For instance, you can ask someone to do the grocery shopping for your parents or cook their meals while you’re at work. This way, you won’t stretch yourself too thin in caring for them.
2) Look For Outside Resources
There are plenty of organisations and support groups (both online and offline) that can help you take care of your parents. These organisations can provide valuable resources, professional advice, and even a shoulder to lean on when needed.
For example, elderly care facilities can take on the responsibility of caring for your parents while you’re away. This can give you peace of mind, knowing that they’re in good hands under trained professionals.
3) Arrange An End-of-Life Plan
As your parents become older, it’s difficult to avoid thinking about their mortality. Talking about death can be difficult, but it’s best to start planning for it as soon as possible, as well as understanding how to prepare for it in the first place.
For instance, you can work with them to create a will, living trust or advanced directives. This will help ensure that their final wishes are carried out and that nothing will be left in disarray for the eventuality of their passing.
In addition, an end of life care plan can help reduce the burden and stress of decision-making during an emotionally difficult time. Through finding the right support, you’ll find reassurance knowing that your parents will have the comfort, accommodation, and care they deserve.
4) Understand Their Health Conditions
It’s not uncommon for elderly people to develop chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. As a caregiver, it’s important to be aware of these conditions and understand how to manage them.
You should also keep updated on their medications, dosages and schedules. This way, you can ensure that they’re taking their medication regularly and that they’re not experiencing any negative side effects.
It’s also important to communicate with doctors and clarify any developments regarding your parents’ health. This means giving them a detailed history of their health, as well as updating them on any changes in their condition. This way, you can be prepared for any potential complications and know how to best care for them at home.
5) Let Your Bosses Know
Chances are, you’ll need to take some time off from work to care for your parents.
It’s important to have a discussion with your employer about your situation. This way, you can open the door for them to be understanding and accommodating of your needs.
For instance, you may request more flexible work hours or the ability to work from home. Alternatively, you may need to take an extended leave of absence when you’ll accompany your parents to hospital visits.
6) Include Your Parents in the Picture
If your parents are of sound mind, it’s best to include them in the decision-making process.
After all, this is their life. They should absolutely have a say in what they want or don’t want. They’ll want the independence to do what they want and make their own choices.
Thus, it’s important to sometimes take a step back and allow them that control.
7) Care for Yourself
It’s easy to get lost in the caregiving role and forget to take care of yourself. However, it’s important to remember to dedicate some time for yourself to avoid burning out from the role of caregiving.
Make sure to schedule time for yourself and do things that make you happy and relaxed. This can be anything from reading, going for walks or listening to music. Journaling is another way to help you process your thoughts and feelings during this difficult time.
It’s also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating right and exercising. This will help you cope with stress and have the energy to care for your parents.
Tips For Taking Care of Ageing Parents is a feature post