Knowing how best to care for elderly parents can be a challenge, especially if they develop health conditions like dementia. Most people reach an age when they require a bit of extra support to continue living safely and independently. There are dozens of ways for you to support your parents and ensure that they maintain a good quality of life in their later years. Here is a guide to caring for elderly parents.
Offer assistance with their daily routine
As your parents get older, they may find it more difficult to complete their daily tasks and routines. For instance, you may notice that your elderly parent is struggling to prepare healthy meals or finds it difficult to drive. In these circumstances, some support with their daily routine will allow your parents to retain their independence and remain living safely and comfortably at home. You could visit their home once or twice a week to help with household chores like cleaning or laundry. Or, you could do their weekly grocery shop and deliver it to your parents. If you are unable to provide regular assistance, i.e. your parents don’t live local, then you can arrange for a professional carer to visit your parents and provide support with their daily activities. Most care companies offer flexible care packages that can be customized. This means you can arrange for a dedicated carer to visit your parents once a week or several times a day, depending on their needs and preferences.
Encourage them to remain active
Many elderly people stop being active and lead a sedentary lifestyle as they get older. However, it’s important to stay active at any age. Encouraging your parents to remain active will help keep them physically fit and reduce senior health risks like heart disease and osteoarthritis. Leading an active lifestyle will also improve your parent’s mental health and emotional wellbeing. Encourage your parents to increase their activity levels by going on a daily walk or joining a local fitness club for older adults. Exercise can also be an excellent way for your parents to meet new people and socialize regularly.
Consider residential care
The majority of people reach an age when they are unable to remain living independently at home. If you are concerned about the safety and wellbeing of an elderly parent, then it may be time to consider residential care. Moving into a residential care home will mean that your parent receives around the clock specialist support, so you can have peace of mind knowing that their care needs are being met. Care experts at Brookdale explain how their residential homes offer a wide variety of on-site amenities include beauty salons, fitness centers, general stores, and places of worship. This means that your elderly parent can maintain a high standard of living and continue living a fulfilling lifestyle.
Summary
Aging is a natural part of life and most people reach a stage where they require a bit of extra support. If you notice that your parents are struggling with their daily activities, then there are several ways that you can offer support. Try the above suggestions to care for your elderly parents and help them continue living a happy, safe, and fulfilling lifestyle.
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