According to one study, there are about 1.4 to 1.5 million people in the United States who live in a nursing home.
If you’re one of the family members who have a parent in a nursing home or an assisted living facility, you may find that you’re having trouble dealing with the situation.
Has the time come for you to start taking care of your parents? Read on to find our comprehensive guide on caring for elderly parents.
Keep in Touch With Them
One thing you should make sure you do is to keep in touch with them.
There shouldn’t be anything holding you back from contacting your parents on a regular basis. Even if it’s just a simple text, technology has made it even easier for you to contact them.
You may only be calling them once or twice a month, but you should try reaching out to them more often than not. If you have a busy schedule, you’ll have to make sure that you make time for them.
For example, you could call them in the morning before you go to work. You could call them on your commute home. If they’ve lost their significant other, you should call them more because they need you now more than ever.
Talking with them on a regular basis will also help you feel closer to them.
Visit Them More Often
If they are in an assisted living facility, you should try and visit them more often as well.
No matter how many times you visit, you should always try and increase the number. While having technology and talking with them on the phone is great, no phone call can replace how precious an in-person visit is.
An in-person visit will also let you see just how well your parents are doing. It will also make sure that you can see how good the facility is that they’re in. You want to make sure no one is harming them and that they’re being taken care of.
Sometimes home care is always a better option.
Love the Health Care Providers
During this phase in your lives, it can be difficult to accept help from other people.
However, you’ll need the help of health care providers when taking care of your aging parents. You may need to rely on a social worker, nurse, physical therapist, doctor, or even just a concerned neighbor.
All of these people will play a role in taking care of your parents. At this point, you’ll have to think of your parents and what’s best for them.
Encourage Outdoor Activities
Many elderly people spend a large percentage of their life indoors, isolated from society and the general hustle and bustle of daily life. Though some people do prefer soltitude, it’s better for both physical and mental health for a person to spend time outdoors, even if it’s just a quick walk around the block. Something as simple as taking your elderly parent on a trip to the shops will allow them to see lots of friendly faces, take a quick walk and buy some essentials all at the same time! Next time that you head out, consider if it’s feasible to take them with you too.
Don’t Forget The Paperwork
Whether this is something as simple as paying off a utility bill to a bigger responsibility such as arranging the correct insurance, it’s absolutely vital that you don’t forget to take care of their paperwork to keep everything in order. Losing track of just one payment could essentially lead to the destruction of your elderly parents financial position, but they may simply misplace or forget about any letters they do receive. If you aren’t particularly skilled in this department either then don’t take on such a responsibility – search for an affordable accountant that can sustain your parent economically. When it comes to arranging insurance cover, approach the topic gently. It can be a daunting experience to invest in such a service, but a reputable team can help both you and your elderly parent to figure out what is the best package for their needs.
Make Sure You Take Care of Yourself Too
Throughout all of this, you need to make sure that you make time to take care of yourself as well.
If you don’t take time for yourself to relax and process the changes that are going on, you won’t be able to take very good care of your parents.
Learn More About Caring for Elderly Parents
These are only a few tips when caring for elderly parents, but they should help you navigate this difficult time.
If you need more help, don’t feel scared to reach out to a trusted friend or health care professional for more advice on how to take care of your parents.
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