Taking Care of Aging, Elderly Parents at Home

As our parents age, taking care of elderly parents at home may be top of mind. Caring for your parents takes some careful thought and planning before deciding to go through with it. In this post, we’ll review what you need to know about in-home care for elderly parents.

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Things to Consider Before Taking Care of a Parent

Before making the decision to take care of your parent, there are several things you should consider. Below are some things you should think about before taking care of your parents in old age.

• Their current and future needs. Know their physical and mental health conditions, chronic illnesses, and how those needs may evolve over the next several years. This helps you anticipate future care levels rather than react to a crisis.
• Being realistic about your role. Consider your comfort with personal care tasks like bathing or toileting, managing medications, and how much time and emotional energy you can commit as needs increase.
• Your schedule. Consider transportation needs, medical appointments, and your own self-care to avoid burnout.
• Thinking about your relationship. A positive history helps, but illness can change personalities — sometimes dramatically. Have a backup plan if living together becomes too stressful.
• Including your family in the decision. Ensure your spouse and children are prepared for space changes, new responsibilities, and possible sacrifices.
• Talking about money early. Decide how to share costs for food, utilities, and renovations. Include siblings to prevent misunderstandings or resentment.
• Checking if your home is ready. First-floor living, ramps, stairlifts, bathroom modifications, and wider doorways may be essential for safety and mobility.
• Setting clear house rules. Align on privacy, daily routines, cleanliness standards, and habits like smoking or pet care.
• Potential lifestyle shifts. Meals, noise, and personal space may need adjustments. Vacations or leisure time could be reduced.
• Supporting their social life. Senior centers, adult day programs, or local activities can help prevent loneliness and maintain independence.

Now that we know more about things to consider when taking care of a parent, let’s take a look at tips on taking care of elderly parents.

Tips for Taking Care of Aging Parents

Now that we know more about things to consider involving the care of a parent, it’s time to take the plunge. Below are some tips on caring for your parent.

• Give space to grieve independence. Understand that loss of autonomy can trigger grief. Be patient and supportive during this transition.
• Prepare them for change early. Have honest talks about expectations for living arrangements, personal care, and safety needs.
• Make home safety a priority. Install grab bars, remove tripping hazards, improve lighting, and consider first-floor living options.
• Monitor driving ability. Watch for signs of unsafe driving and seek assessments when necessary.
• Support decision-making with respect. Offer guidance for major health and financial choices without undermining autonomy.
• Take care of yourself. Prevent burnout by scheduling breaks, seeking support, and using respite care when needed.
• Encourage activity and connection. Help them stay socially engaged and physically active to support overall well-being.
• Plan financially. Assess costs, explore assistance programs, and prepare for potential changes in your work schedule.

To learn about our home care services, contact our caregiving team today at 1-800-GRISWOLD or find a Caregiver near you.