Home care for an elderly parent is frequently the first step in a senior’s long-term care plan. It allows them to remain in the familiar and comfortable surroundings of their own home while saving them money. It also allows family members to evaluate the level of care required, whether it be home care or care in a facility.
Typically, adult children are responsible for caring for elderly parents at home. For some, this increased dependence occurs during their own retirement, after their children have left home. Others are caught in the sandwich generation, caring for both their own children and their ageing parents.
Here are ten helpful tips for caring at home for elderly parents:
- Closely monitor your parent’s health: Regular phone calls may not be sufficient to assess their true health. To determine how well they are managing on their own, physical surveillance is necessary.
- Caregiving is a significant responsibility that becomes increasingly challenging as parents age. Seek assistance early on. Consider employing professional in-home carers or involving the entire immediate family in providing care.
- There will be times when you are unable to meet your parent’s needs due to various professional or personal obligations. Having a provider of respite care available can provide temporary relief.
- Seniors may have difficulty with grocery shopping and cooking, which increases the risk of malnutrition. Determine how to provide nutritious, ready-to-eat meals that meet their dietary requirements.
- Take care of yourself: As a carer, it is essential to put your own health first. Find ways to nourish your body and spirit so you have the energy and resources necessary to provide effective care for your parent.
- Keep your parent engaged and active: Encourage participation in social, religious, and leisure activities. If you are unable to help, consider hiring a companion or contacting relevant organisations for assistance.
- Falls and injuries are common risks for seniors who live at home; therefore, the home must be made safe and accessible. Include others in the process of creating a safe environment and make the necessary modifications to ensure their safety.
- Loss of mobility can be distressing for the elderly. Provide safe transportation options. Research and investigate senior transport services to help them retain their autonomy.
- Comprehend financial obligations and assistance options: caring for elderly parents at home may appear financially burdensome, but there are assistance options. Learn about financial assistance programmes and sensible cost management strategies for senior care.
- Schedule in-home consultations: Arrange free consultations with local home care agencies in order to obtain information on long-term care planning, finances, and helpful carer tips. This can help you make informed decisions and locate the appropriate agency if you require outside assistance.
It can be difficult to balance the responsibility of caring for elderly parents at home with other obligations. It is essential to seek assistance and make use of available resources in order to find a balance that benefits both you and your parents.