Terri Ramsey Beavers On average, an adult caregiver will spend 20 hours per week caring for their ill or disabled parent.
As we grow older, it’s an unavoidable fact that our parents will need help with daily activities one day. While a care home is an option, many adults prefer to offer their own care to their parents.
Caring for elderly parents can take a toll, physically, mentally, and emotionally if you aren’t prepared to do so.
So, what should you know about caring for elderly parents? Keep reading to find out.
1. Don’t Sacrifice Your Own Health
It can be easy to forget to care for yourself when you’re a family member caregiver.
If you’re a parent but also have parents who need help, caring for your own needs often falls on the backburner. While the others in your life need your help, you won’t have the energy to care for others if you don’t keep yourself healthy.
2. Learn How Much Care Your Parent Needs
Caring for a parent can be a daunting task if you don’t know what kind of care they need.
Before taking on the responsibility of the caregiver, figure out the treatment your parents need. How much help they need with everyday tasks and the medicines they need to take will be part of your responsibility.
It’s so important to learn what your parent needs, so you know if you’re capable of providing help early on. Floor hoists from Active Mobility will help in many ways to help provide the best care possible. Click here to visit their site.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Many people feel guilty if they can’t offer their parents the help that they need.
If caring for elderly parents is starting to take a toll on your health, it may be time to ask for help. Many professionals specialize in caring for the elderly that you may want to reach out to.
4. Make the Home Safe
Elderly people will need accommodations to make the home safe.
Non-slip showers, handlebars, easily accessible cupboards, and ramps for wheelchair accessibility might be a few to look into.
5. Keep Things As Simple As You Can
Don’t try to get too fancy with the care you’re giving, as you don’t want to spread yourself too thin.
When it comes to dinner, plan simple meals to lessen the pressure on yourself. If you’re trying to care for kids, elderly parents, work and make an extravagant meal each night, you’ll get burned out very quickly.
Caring for Elderly Parents Can be Difficult but Rewarding
It’s not easy to see your parents reach an age where they can’t care for themselves anymore.
While watching your parents age is difficult, you can feel a sense of peace by knowing you’re able to help them during this time. If you’re caring for elderly parents, there are plenty of ways to make the process easier for yourself and them.
If you found this article helpful, check out our other Health & Wellness posts!