Parents hold a special place in our lives, and caring for them is an expression of love and respect. As they age, ensuring their well-being and supporting them becomes increasingly important. Caring for your parents also strengthens your bond with them while giving you a chance to express your gratitude for their love, efforts, and sacrifices they made for you.
As our parents age, they may face several health challenges. And in Ohio, specifically, adults are prone to different fatal diseases, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. According to the Ohio Department of Health, Ohio ranks 40th among the worst states for cancer, 39th for cardiovascular disease, and 31st for diabetes, making it essential to have a family member care for them.
Having your parents live with you allows you to provide essential care while keeping them socially connected.
Here’s how you can take care of your elderly parents.
1. Seek Compensation for Harmful Exposure
As parents age, they become more susceptible to the effects of harmful substances and conditions. The exposure may affect the immune system, reduce organ functions, and affect their metabolism. Therefore, it’s crucial to stay vigilant about the potential dangers and take precautions to ensure their well-being.
If your parents ever worked in the construction industry, at some point, they were exposed to asbestos without knowing. And especially if you live in Ohio—which ranked 5th in asbestos-related fatalities in 2016—chances of asbestos exposure are higher. The exposure may lead to serious complications, including breathing issues and fluid buildup in the lungs.
If your parents have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and it traces back to their workplace, we recommend hiring a mesothelioma lawyer Ohio. A lawyer will navigate the legal process on your behalf and ensure you receive compensation for the damages and medical expenses.
2. Create a Safe Living Environment
Once you decide to look after your parents at home, ensuring a safe living space should be your top priority. Falls are the common cause of injuries among older people, leading to fractures and other physical harm. Therefore, creating a safe living environment is essential to lessen the chances of injuries and accidents so they can live safely in their home.
Simple modifications in your home can ensure a safe living space for your parents. For instance, installing grab bars in the bathroom is a great idea to prevent falls. Make sure you remove tripping hazards, such as loose rugs and clutter, to mitigate the risk of accidents. Many senior adults also experience difficulty seeing objects from afar. Therefore, sufficient lighting is necessary to ensure they can move easily. We suggest installing bright light fixtures in staircases, hallways, and frequently used areas to illuminate dark spots and improve their visibility to see potential hazards.
Additionally, ensure that all the necessities, including food, medications, and telephones, are easily accessible so they don’t strain themselves trying to reach the basic items.
3. Assist Them with Medicines
As parents age, they may experience several health issues requiring multiple medications. However, owing to their age, keeping track of medication and remembering the right dosage may be confusing and overwhelming for them. Therefore, helping them with medication is a crucial aspect of caring for them.
You can help them keep track of their medicines by creating a medication schedule or using a pill organizer. You can set reminders on a phone or an alarm clock to ensure they don’t skip their medicines.
Moreover, stay vigilant about prescription refills to avoid gaps in the medication supply. The best way to prevent gaps is to resort to automatic prescription refill services by the pharmacies to ensure your parents have a regular supply of medications.
Helping your parents with medicine management will avoid any medication errors and also improve their overall health. Knowing your parents are taking their medicines on time will also evoke a sense of satisfaction.
4. Be Tolerant
As humans grow old, they may also experience a decline in their physical, emotional, and cognitive tendencies. In fact, a study by NIH also demonstrates that adults may experience a change in their memory with age, causing slow processing speed. The decline in cognitive tendencies may make your parents more vulnerable and dependent, requiring you to be flexible and adaptive to their changing needs.
You can make their living experience better by modifying their environment according to their convenience. Make sure you emotionally connect with your elderly parents and include them in decisive matters to make them feel involved and important.
Besides, seeking professionals’ help is also an effective way to offer your parents specialized support and guidance. Only professionals can ensure your parents receive the best care tailored to their needs.
5. Keep them Physically Active
Senior adults experience a decline in physical abilities and overall health, forcing them to become more inactive. However, idleness can cause several health issues. On the other hand, staying active can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke in older people. It can also assist in reducing the risk of diabetes and osteoporosis.
You can help them stay active by finding activities that interest them. For example, you can take them for a walk to feel nature and evoke a sense of calm. Gardening is also a fun activity to elevate their mood and keep them occupied.
6. Enhance Social Connections
As they age, their parents may experience changes in their social relationships, leading to feelings of isolation. Therefore, it is crucial that they stay connected for better mental health. Maintaining social connections is essential to boost their overall health, as it can reduce the risk of hypertension and heart disease.
You can encourage them to join the elderly clubs. Besides, keeping them connected with their friends and loved ones via phone calls is also an effective way to elevate their mood and keep them socially involved.
Wrapping Up
Looking after your aging parents is a rewarding experience that contributes to their health and overall well-being. You can ensure their good health by managing their medications, keeping them connected, and creating a safe environment. Remember to be tolerant while dealing with your aging parents.
