Did you know more than 1 out of 5 Americans provide care for their aging, ill, and disabled relatives? If you want to learn how to care for aging relatives, we can help.

In this guide, we’ll go over what to expect when caring for an elderly relative.

Want to learn more? Keep reading.

Determine How You Can Help

If your parent or relative needs care, spend some time thinking about how you can help.

What are your current circumstances? How can you contribute to the care of your relative or parent? What circumstances do they currently face, and what care will they need?

You don’t want to agree to a level of care you aren’t able to provide.

Make a Plan

Create a care plan for your family member. You should outline the needs of your relatives and how you will achieve the help they need. A care plan could include recommendations about the support needed.

Who Else Will Help?

Along with finding professional help, you’ll want to think about who can help you with your parents. Is there a family member or relative who can help share the responsibilities of elderly care?

Remain realistic about what you can provide, and ask others to do the same.

Talk to Your Parents or Relative

When brainstorming caregiving options, involve your loved one in the conversation. Talk to your relative or parents about what level of care they need.

If your relative’s getting older, you should look at making a decision sooner rather than later. You don’t want a sudden fall or other crisis to occur.

If long-term care is necessary, talk to your parents or relatives. You don’t want your relatives to feel as if you’re taking control of their life and making decisions.

Try to Remain Sensitive and Flexible

Your relative or parent might resist your desire to give them support or care at first. Most aging adults have been independent and aren’t looking for others to help them.

People have a hard time depending on their children or relatives for help. Your parents or relatives might also fear leaving their home or going to a new place.

Make sure you approach the topic of their care with sensitivity and compassion.

Different Housing Options

Some elderly parents or relatives will need new accommodation depending on their needs.

Disabled or aging people might move into a self-contained home like a bungalow. Some of these homes will have a communal area or shared facilities.

Assisted living homes will hire care professionals to help people with different needs.

Talk about the different options with your loved one.

Now You Know More About Caring for an Elderly Relative

We hope this guide on caring for an elderly relative was helpful. Involve your parent or relative in the conversation about their care.

You should also think about what you can provide and what you won’t be able to provide.

Was this guide helpful? Check out our other family resources on the blog.