Watching the people you love get older and become less independent can be an emotional time, this is especially true if these people are your parents. As the role of ‘caregiver’ reverses, you may feel a little apprehensive about how you can care for your parents, as they did for you. To help you with this process, here are a few practical ways for you to help your parents as they grow old.
Make their Home Safer
Did you know that for U.S. seniors, the leading cause of injury is trips and falls? Help to reduce the risk by safeguarding your parent’s home and removing potential hazards. When you next visit your parents, check their home with the Home Fall Prevention Checklist, provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Small alterations such as putting down a non-slip mat in the shower can help keep your parents safe.
Help Them Plan for the Future
Talking about senior care services with your parents can be awkward, but it is a necessary conversation to have. By having a talk with them about the type of care they want, and what they may realistically need, can ensure they are happy in the future. For one of the best providers in senior living Connecticut has to offer, Monarch Communities is a great choice. Spring Meadows by Monarch features three levels of care to suit all needs. These include independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. Although your parents may not require any sort of senior care at this moment, it is a practical idea to help them research different facilities and speak to them about various options in the future.
Keep in Touch
Research shows that social isolation and loneliness can be as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. As people get older, staying connected to loved ones can be difficult, and some people may find themselves with fewer friends than they used to have. A simple afternoon chat on the phone can brighten up a dreary afternoon for your parents, while a social visit will enable you to check up on them physically to see how they are truly doing. If you are unable to visit often but are worried that they are becoming socially isolated, why not look into local clubs for them to join. Taking up a hobby can widen a person’s social circle and can also engage the brain. In addition, regularly socializing and bonding with like-minded people over a common interest can help maintain a higher quality of life.
Encourage Regular Check-Ups
Regular check-ups are a good idea for people of all ages and they are especially important for older people. Healthcare professionals can help to ensure your health is in tip-top condition and they can also spot changes and abnormalities before symptoms arise. Encourage your parents to go for their annual check-up, even if they aren’t complaining about ill-health. If they do have some minor complaints, advise them to see a doctor rather than suffering alone or dealing with it themselves.
