Key Steps for Assisting Elderly Parents Through Life's Later Stages
As you watch your parents age, the roles may begin to shift, with you stepping into the role of protector and provider. This transition from child to caregiver can feel overwhelming as you take on the responsibility of ensuring their health, safety, and overall well-being.
To manage these duties while caring for your own life, you'll need a clear plan. Feeling trapped caring for elderly parents is a common feeling, but with the right knowledge, preparation, and resources, you can offer your parents the care they deserve without sacrificing your well-being.
Take a look at this straightforward, condensed guide, which focuses on key areas to create a robust checklist for caring for aging parents:
Health & Medical Care:- Regular physical exams and screenings- Medication management (list, reminders, and preventative care)- Chronic condition understanding (research and management)- Partnership with healthcare providers- Home health aides (when needed)- Prioritize preventive care and maintain well-organized medical records
Living Environment & Safety:- Safety evaluation and modifications- Optimal lighting and decluttered spaces- Accessibility upgrades (when required)- Emergency preparedness (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency alert systems)
Financial Management & Legal Considerations:- Assess financial health and revise estate plan (Will, Trusts, etc.)- Organize important paperwork and explore funding options for long-term care (insurance, Medicaid, personal savings)- Monitor bills and expenses- Research government programs and consider hiring the assistance of an estate attorney or financial planner
Emotional & Social Support:- Encourage and facilitate regular social interactions (family, friends, community groups)- Look out for signs of emotional distress (isolation, irritability, changes in appetite or sleep)- Promote hobbies and interests- Facilitate communication (video calls, phone check-ins)- Arrange for mental health resources (therapy, counseling)- Celebrate milestones together (birthdays, anniversaries)
Daily Living & Personal Care:- Assist with grooming, hygiene, and meal preparation- Promote physical activity- Provide reliable, stress-free transportation- Adapt to routines when needed
End-of-Life Planning & Wishes:- Discuss advanced directives and funeral plans- Establish a legacy plan (family history, memorable items or assets)- Review insurance and benefits- Explore hospice care options
Self-Care for the Caregiver:- Set boundaries and take regular breaks- Practice stress management techniques (mindfulness, meditation, yoga, etc.)- Seek support from a caregiver support group or friends- Stay active, eat well, and get plenty of sleep
Don't forget to check out our website for accessible, online therapy options for both you and your parents, ensuring that you both can receive the mental health support you need when you need it.
Sources:[1] National Institute on Aging. (2019, April 23). Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks
[2] Johnson, A. (2020). Aging Parents? 16 Questions You Need to Ask Yourself Now. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://www.nextavenue.org/aging-parents-questions-caregivers-should-ask-themselves/
[3] How to choose the best caregiving app for you. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://www.silvernest.com/blog/best-caregiving-app
- Recognizing the feeling of being trapped while caring for elderly parents can be common, but implementing a well-structured plan can alleviate this burden, promoting both your and your parents' mental health.
- In managing mental health, it's essential to prioritize preventive care,including online therapy for yourself and your parents, as well as monitoring signs of emotional distress like isolation or changes in appetite or sleep.
- Science and research play a crucial role in understanding chronic conditions faced by aging parents, which will aid in effective long-term management and better family health.
- Additionally, adequate financial management and legal considerations, such as revising estate plans, assessing financial health, and exploring funding options for long-term care, are important for the overall well-being of the family.
- Promoting hobbies and interests for your aging parents can help combat depression and anxiety caused by stress and isolation, which are known health risks associated with aging.
- Beyond physical and financial care, it is essential to address end-of-life planning and wishes with your parents to ensure their legacy and provide emotional support during this challenging phase of life.
