There are approximately 52 million people over the age of 65 living in the United States. Getting older is something most people look forward to. If you are the child of aging parents, one of your main concerns should be keeping them healthy and happy. The older your parents get, the harder it will be for them to do normal things without assistance.
Physically demanding tasks like cleaning and yard work will need to either be handled by professionals or the children of an elderly person. Ideally, you want to alleviate the work your parents have to do without infantilizing them. Allowing the elderly to retain a sense of independence is important. Read below for some tips on how to help your aging parents retain their independence.
Assess Whether They Need In-Home Care
Visiting your aging parents on a regular basis is a great way to assess how well they are doing. If it seems like your parents are having a hard time cooking, cleaning or performing other important tasks, it may be time to suggest in-home care. There are a number of businesses that specialize in providing senior citizens with the help they need.
Instead of forcing this in-home help on your elderly loved ones, you need to find out how they feel about this subject. Having a heart-to-heart conversation with your parents is essential when trying to get a feel for what they want. Calmly explaining why you think they need in-home care is the first thing you need to do. Once you are done, take time to hear their feedback and work on a compromise.
Check Out Community Resources Designed For Seniors
Going out of the house can become difficult for an aging person. The longer an elderly individual has to sit in a home alone, the higher the risk becomes of them getting depressed. Allowing your aging parents to get out and socialize with people their own age is a wise move. In most areas, there are senior citizen centers that cater solely to the elderly.
These centers are a great way for your parents to mingle and take their mind off of stressful things in their life. Most senior citizen centers provide food, drinks, and games to their clientele. Finding a senior center that offers transportation for your parents can make this process easier on you.
Modify Their Home For Comfort and Safety
If your aging parents insist on staying in their home, it is your job to make modifications to ensure they are safe. Things like handrails and ramps can help your parents get around easier. You also need to think about getting your parents an easy-to-use security system for their home. Getting a system with remote viewing can help you look in on your parents from your smartphone.
Looking For Quality In-Home Care?
Does your elderly loved one need some extra help? If so, contact the professionals at Like Family Home Care to find out more about the in-home care services we offer.
