4 Caregiving Tips for Keeping Aging Parents at Home
Caring for your elderly parents yourself, rather than putting them in a nursing home, is a huge responsibility. That said, it comes with the added benefit of having peace of mind that your parents are safe and healthy at home. If your parents made you promise to never put them in a nursing home, it is a commitment you have to keep. However, becoming your parent’s caregiver comes with newfound responsibilities and pressure. It is a stressful task to take on, so it is imperative you do your research and prepare as much as possible. To make the process less stressful, follow these 4 caregiving tips for keeping aging parents at home:
- Recognize How Much Care They Need
Different parents require different levels of care, so before you take on the responsibility of becoming their caregiver, it is crucial you recognize how much assistance they actually need. Some parents need around-the-clock care, while others just need help getting dressed in the morning. Depending on their level of care, make a list of tasks you need to accomplish at the beginning of the week. Be as detailed as possible, so you do not forget any steps. Communicate with your parents about what they need help with as well. Transparency and open communication will make this experience a whole lot easier on both of you.
- Understand Their Medication
One of the benefits of being your parent’s caregiver is that you can ensure they are healthy and in the best of hands. However, that means educating yourself on their health conditions and understanding their medication. You do not want to be giving your parents pills without knowing what they’re for. But understanding their medication might mean having to do some research about their conditions. For example, if your parent takes medication for tremors, do some research to understand how the medication works and any possible side effects. You are always better off being safe than sorry by doing enough research.
- Do Not Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Becoming your elderly parent’s caregiver is a huge responsibility, and you cannot expect to do it alone without having any hiccups. You are taking on a completely new and unknown task, you are going to need to ask for help from time to time. You might just need help from friends and family with getting tasks done around the house that you no longer have time for. However, if you need more significant help, consider using a respite care service, which provides short-term relief for primary caregivers. Do not forget you have your own life and responsibilities, so getting some help is probably necessary.
- Get Financial Assistance
Becoming a caregiver is more than just a physical and emotional responsibility, it’s also a significant financial undertaking. You may have to make expensive adjustments to your house, like adding a wheelchair ramp, in order to accommodate your aging parents. You should look into specific benefit programs that provide financial help for seniors. These programs can cover medication costs, transportation, housing, and more. You can use free services online to find benefit programs in your area. Being thorough with this step will save you money and time in the long run.
Becoming your parent’s caregiver is a huge responsibility and it will likely take a while to become fully confident in the position. But although it is a stressful and daunting task, knowing that your parents are safe and healthy in their own home will be a huge weight off your shoulders. Just make sure you do your research so you will be prepared for any obstacles you may come across during this process. At the end of the day, remind yourself that this is a learning experience and things take time. Be proud of yourself for keeping your aging parents at home.
