Everybody grows old eventually, but when your parents start to age it is something not many people know how to deal with. It can often cause a lot of stress and worry, knowing how to broach the subject of help, and how to assist them as they need it.
Here are a few things to think about as your parents reach their older years:
Speak To Them
First of all, you need to sit down with them and discuss what they want and what plans they have. It’s important to treat them still with respect and dignity, just because they are aging they will not appreciate being babied. Try to find out what plans they already have and if they have prepared for anything financially. Be tactful and relaxed about it, pushing them too hard for information will only offend and upset them.
Living Situation
You need to work out where the best place is for your parents to live. Most people want to stay at home for as long as possible, which is possible with the right help. If your parents are relatively self-sufficient and can still look after themselves, then travel can be arranged to get them around safely. In-home carers can be hired at various levels if they need more help, whether they stay for the day to care or just popping in to check up on them. If your parents are unable to look after themselves and need more help, it may be time to look at care homes for them.
Socialising
It’s vital that we keep our mind and bodies active as we get older, as retreating and become reclusive can often lead to a rapid decline in health. Your parents should still be able to socialise and interact with others as much as they want and are able to. There are often local group events that they can go to, making friends and keeping in contact with others. Senior in home care are also available as home companions for those not able to get out as much.
Finances
While you want your parents to be well cared for, we cannot always afford to put so much funding aside. Try to prepare in advance for this, so that if money is needed you have some savings. Speak to them about what savings they have and what they’re pension will cover. Care homes and carers can be very expensive, so browse around and do plenty of research to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Speak to local councils and authorities as well, as there may be financial help and advice available from them.
Most importantly, you must make sure your parents are happy and healthy, and can live out the rest of their years in comfort. Try to avoid too much stress, and make sure you keep your relationship strong and positive with them. At the end of the day, it is up to them how they live. Try not to get too frustrated if they don’t want to follow your plans. The key is compromise so that everyone is safe and cared for.
