How to Support Your Aging Parents


There's a profound morality in the simple act of caring for our aging parents, a return of the selfless love they have shown us. But how do we engage in this role reversal with grace and kindness? This piece serves as an empathetic guide, offering a series of tips and suggestions to help guide you through the care process.


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1. Assess Their Needs

Understand what they need assistance with, such as bathing, cooking, or medication management. Are they facing any specific medical conditions that need special attention?

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2. Plan For Medical Care

Ensure they have access to the required medical care, which could involve regular doctor's appointments and maintaining their medication schedule. You might want to consider employing a home health nurse if they need constant medical attention.

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3. Consider Their Mental Health

Aging can often come with feelings of sadness or isolation, especially if a spouse or close friends have passed away. Regular companionship, activities they enjoy, and, if necessary, professional mental health support, can help. This is especially important for families preparing for dementia care in the home. Check out this page if your loved one is struggling with their mental health.

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4. Create a Safe Environment

As mobility decreases, the home environment should adapt to minimize risks. This could mean installing grab bars in the bathroom, removing tripping hazards, or arranging for a ground-floor living space. This is often the first step when setting up home care for elders. Check out this page for help building a safe home environment for seniors.

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5. Help With Finances

Managing finances can be challenging for seniors. You might need to help them pay bills, manage their retirement funds, or understand medical insurance and benefits. If this is a particular struggle area, look into affordable senior care options.

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6. Ensure a Healthy Diet

As people age, they may lose interest in cooking or eating. Try to make sure your parent has access to nutritious meals. Meal delivery services can be an option if cooking is a challenge.

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7. Encourage Physical Activity

Regular, appropriate exercise contributes to maintaining health and mobility. Something as simple as daily walks can make a difference. Check out this page for more information on physical activity for seniors.

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8. Help Them Stay Connected

Encourage social interactions. Regular visits, phone calls, or teaching them how to use technology to connect with friends and family can help combat feelings of isolation. Companionship for seniors is very important for their mental health and overall well-being. Check out this page for more tips on community involvement for seniors.

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9. Take Care of Yourself, Too

Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup. Seek help when you need it, take breaks, and maintain your own social and recreational activities.

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10. Consult ProfesionalsΒ 

Consider seeking advice from social workers, doctors, or a geriatric care manager. They can provide resources and information about the best way to care for your aging parent. They can give you personalized recommendations on elder home care options as well as other care services for the elderly.

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More Resources:
How to convince your loved one that they need care
CareYaya finds that families often have this difficult conversation later than they should - and it can be a big source of stress!
Top 10 Tips For Caring For Older Adults
Advice for those who want their loved ones to age as comfortably, independently, and vibrantly as possible.
Keeping Aging Parents at Home: 5 Top Caregiving Tips – DailyCaring
Caring for aging parents at home is a goal for many families. Use 5 tips to find help and decrease stress so you can keep them at home for longer.
Information Resources - Oxford Family Care
A database of articles dedicated to answering any questions you may have about making sure your loved ones are cared for.