Ease the Stress of Caregiving
Taking care of an aging parent can be a positive and rewarding experience. Yet, if you live out of town, have a demanding job or busy family, it may be hard to always keep this favorable perspective. Though it may be difficult at times, caring for a senior parent can be a gratifying experience.
7 tips when Caring for an Aging Parent:
- Start discussions early: Important discussions are best handled sooner. It is important to have these conversations while they are in good health. If a time comes when they are unable to make certain decisions for themselves, it will be easier to follow their wishes when you already know what they want.
- Include other family members: If other family members are around, be sure to include them. Conversations and decisions can be easier if you are not trying to make them alone.
- Understand your parents need to control their own lives: Your parents have the right to make their own decisions. It might be a balancing act between their independence and their safety, but try to let them maintain a sense of control over their lives.
- Agree to disagree: Everyone will not always agree 100% of the time, but arguing about a problem will not solve anything. Sometimes the best solution will be to agree to disagree, as long as their health and safety are not being jeopardized.
- Ask about records and documentation: Keep notes on where your parents keep important documents. If this is a difficult conversation, try asking them where they keep this important information and whom should you contact in case of an accident or emergency.
- Treat them with respect: Be sure to treat your parents with respect as they age. Continue to reassure them that you are there to support them as they get older and start to experience difficulties.
- Re-evaluate if things are not working well: If conversations with your parents are not productive, it could be time to re-evaluate what you are doing. Maybe you do not have enough information for them, or your ideas are not coming across as you thought they were. Take a moment to look over what you have been doing to see where you can make changes.
Caring for an aging parent can be a rewarding and overwhelming experience. This is why CareLinkTM is available 24/7 to help. If one of our skilled Geriatric Care Managers could assist you or a loved one in any way, call us for more information at 513-766-3307.
Information adapted from Elm Terrace Gardens and Life Bridge Solutions LLC.