4 Things You Can Do for Your Aging Parents
Witnessing a loved one grow into old age is a blessing. However, caring for the elderly is a challenge that no one is ever fully prepared to handle. The majority of old folks can manage themselves well into their seventies, but it pays to start keeping an eye on them as early as possible. Here are some tips that you can implement to enhance the life of an elderly loved one.
- Keep them engaged
If your parents can still move about, you should keep them engaged in physical activities to strengthen their weak muscles. Think of organizing a small family outing event. Take them to the nearest park for a picnic or visit the nearest museum. Additionally, you can engage them in doing house chores or even gardening together.
The worst feeling any old person has is being perceived as ‘disabled.’ Therefore, you should let them continue with their basic tasks if they can, but keep a close eye on them. The best strategy is to collaborate with them on these tasks.
If they are immobile, you can still get them around using a wheelchair. Older people can easily read moods and reactions, and you should always wear your best face when handling them, or else they will feel as if they are a burden to you. Lastly, focus on making their indoors experience more engaging by cooking together, watching a film, reading, or knitting.
- Organize frequent visits
Most senior adults suffer from loneliness, and the fear of facing death can be overwhelming. If they have grandchildren, you can organize weekend visits and extended holiday visits to keep their grandparents company. If you have other relatives, consider having a rotational care roster so that they can enjoy different care experiences.
Encourage your kids to play board games, watch a movie with them or ask them to share their life stories. Such activities reinject a sense of purpose and responsibility to the elderly, giving them the motivation to keep moving.
If they develop old-age-related complications such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, you should consider outsourcing home care services from Husky Senior Care, so they can receive specialized care. If they are recent retirees who don’t need specialized care yet, here is what you can do;
- Talk to them about getting old
It is never too early to have that ‘after retirement’ conversation with your loved ones, although most of them will quiet you down. Nonetheless, you should find out what plans they have for the future as you will have to take responsibility for making them realize these plans at some point in time. Talking also prepares them for old age as they learn to accept that they will soon be weak and vulnerable to different conditions.
- Make them comfortable
They might not need full support at the moment, but it pays to keep their home warm and cozy. You can carry out necessary repairs, clean around the house, conduct online transactions for them, ensure the internet, electricity, and telephone bills have been paid, and the fridge is well stocked. If the house is too quiet, ask them if they need a pet or frequent visits by the grandchildren.
Endnote
Old age is inevitable, and it is our responsibility to ensure that our loved ones enjoy their senior years.
