It can be emotionally difficult to watch your parents get older, but it’s even harder for them to experience it. They sometimes lose the ability to perform everyday tasks they have spent their whole lives doing with ease. They want to continue living as independently as possible but often need some form of extra care. 

The question is now, how do you support your ageing parents? What can you do to make their lives easier without infringing on the independence they deserve and are accustomed to? There is no single answer when it comes to caring for the elderly because it will depend on each individual. However, here are a few general tips you would be wise to follow when it comes to taking care of your parents as they age: 

Be Patient When Caring for the Elderly 

One of the most critical things you can do is be patient. For example, if your parent tries to reach for something that is too high and they snap at you when you immediately try to grab the item for them, don’t snap back with words like, “I’m just trying to help,” or “You can’t do that anymore.” Harsh language intensifies an already frustrating situation. 

Instead, explain to them why certain things are too dangerous for them now. Gently help your parents understand their limits and explore solutions that enable them to maintain as much independence as possible. Make space for them to do whatever they can do themselves, and step in when absolutely necessary. 

Ultimately, let your parents take the lead regarding how and when they would like to receive help. Be patient as they discover what they need assistance with and be compassionate when they experience denial about their new normal. 

Get Organized

Caring for the elderly involves more than tending to their physical needs. A great way to support your ageing parents is to help them get organized on an administrative level. 

Think of all the paperwork in your life, electronic or not. Odds are, it’s a lot — and that can be overwhelming for seniors. Help your parents organize essential documents and information to make communicating with doctors, lawyers, and other professionals in their lives more efficient. If a medical emergency arises, or if your parents have questions about writing a will, then you’ll know exactly who to contact and where to find important information that could make a difference. 

Have a Safety Plan and Be Prepared 

Speaking of emergencies, how prepared are you and your parents for them? You never know what might happen when you’re not around to provide care, so it’s imperative to have plans in place that could save your parents’ lives. 

For instance, be sure to work with your parents to set up safety measures throughout their home. These measures could include medical alert systems, handles installed on furniture to help them get up if they fall, assistive devices, and mobility aids (some of which they can travel with). Much of home senior care involves reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. 

Devise plans you and your parents can follow should a disaster arise, too. What will they do in a hurricane and you cannot reach them? What should your parents do if their home catches fire, or if they slip during the winter? Think of what you and they should do in all possible scenarios so that nothing catches you by surprise. 

Take Advantage of the Right Resources and Services

You have more resources at your disposal than you may know. Have your parents consult with their doctor and research services that can make their lives easier as long as they live at home. You may consider hospice care if they are too ill to continue most daily activities. 

However, if your parents want to maintain as much independence as possible and age in place, a care for seniors service can assist them with whatever they need help at home with, such as cooking, cleaning, coordinating with other service providers, and even companionship. Home Concierge is a service that offers such support, ranging from basic meal preparation to long-term supervision and assistance with eating and bathing. 

Be Flexible and Understanding 

Related to being patient as your parents age, it’s just as crucial to be flexible and understanding. Your parents’ needs are evolving, so remember to be adaptable as they require further support and react to their changing health. You may have to be more stubborn or forceful if your parents are recklessly endangering their lives, but try not to assume control too quickly or make your parents feel like they are burdens. What they need one day may be different than what they need the next. 

Your parents’ well-being comes first, but you still have a life to live and cannot be present all the time. Don’t shy away from turning toward in-home care for seniors or other services that grant you peace of mind while you’re away, and apply the above tips so you can provide your parents the support they need as they age in place.