When an aging parent needs some assistance on a regular basis, it’s often one family member who becomes the designated caregiver. Figuring out your parent’s needs and finding a healthy balance with your own responsibilities and needs is a healthy and efficient way to fill this role, but it’s not always such a simple task. Below, you’ll find six ways you can make caring for your aging parent easier.
1. Size Up Your Parent’s Care Needs
Assessing your parent’s current care needs can make things easier for both you and your loved one because it helps you come up with a care plan that’s good for everyone involved. Pay particular attention to:
- Basic safety and security
- Needs that are a priority right now
- Cognitive health
- Medical and health needs and concerns
- Daily care needs involving hygiene and similar tasks
- Any related financial concerns
2. Consider Your Needs & Capabilities
Once you know what your parent’s care needs are currently, think about your own needs and capabilities. If care will involve physically demanding tasks like transfers from bed to a chair, for instance, determine if you’re able to handle needs of this nature. Also, factor in how well you normally get along with your parent and how accessible you can be if he or she remains at home. Be honest with yourself and understand what you’ll be taking on.
Professional home caregivers can be a wonderful source of information and support for families caring for older loved ones. When searching for reliable elder care agencies, families want to know their senior loved ones will be well taken care of. At Assisting Hands Home Care, our expertly trained caregivers are available around the clock to assist with tasks around the house, provide transportation to medical appointments and social events, and much more.
3. Be Willing to Ask for Help
Things will be a lot easier for both you and your parent, especially as caregiving needs gradually change over time, if you get into the habit of reaching out to other family members for some extra help when necessary. Simply having a trusted friend or family member to talk to can be helpful emotionally as you provide care.
If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality home care, Frederick Assisting Hands Home Care can help. We provide professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
4. Make Your Parent Part of the Process
Have regular conversations about your approach to care and how you’ll provide it for your parent to reduce the risk of conflicts or misunderstandings. This extends to keeping your loved one in the loop if there comes a time when care-related decisions need to be made. Unless there are unique circumstances involved, a good starting point is to provide less intrusive care and gradually increase assistance as needed.
5. Focus on Home Basics
Seniors today often prefer to age in place in their own homes. If this is a goal your parent has, make care easier by ensuring the home is as safe as possible. Regularly check for safety and fall hazards such as loose rugs, poor lighting, and clutter. If necessary, discuss appropriate home modifications that could make things easier for you and your parent.
6. Explore Senior Care Options
At first, it may be fairly easy to juggle the demands of caring for your parent and your own personal needs. However, over time, care needs can change and become more time-consuming. Be prepared for this possibility by knowing what senior care options may be beneficial for you and your parent. Options include:
- In-home care provided when needed
- Senior transportation and meal delivery services
- Input from a geriatric doctor specializing in senior health needs so care routines can be adjusted
Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs more extensive senior home care, Frederick, MD, Assisting Hands Home Care can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (301) 786-5045 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.
