One of the most common problems encountered by people who care for their elderly parents is the senior’s stubbornness and urge to refuse any help – even if the closest family members offer it. They often fear that accepting help might mean losing their independence or becoming a burden. They want to maintain control over their lives and therefore prefer to cope on their own.
However, it can no longer be possible at some point in their lives, and your aging parents will begin to need assistance in performing their everyday tasks. Sooner or later, household chores and dealing with various health issues will turn into a challenge that they won’t be able to handle living on their own any longer.
Young people, busy with their own lives, may get overwhelmed by the number of issues that need to be addressed while juggling the rest of their duties. To help you prepare for what’s coming, read the article below and learn more about several types of issues you will need to address when helping your elderly parents.
Prepare the House
The first thing to do is help your aging parents prepare their house, so it’s safe and convenient for them to live in, especially if they decide to grow old in their own home. Of course, just to stay on the safe side, you can approach them with subtle suggestions about exploring the options of residential or live-in care in your community, but try not to be pushy.
Preparing your parent’s house for their comfort will most likely involve making the house accessible, with properly assigned cabinets, eliminating all potential hazards, and ensuring that everything is in its proper place. You might need to think about installing grab bars in the bathroom or invest in a sturdy railing that you can install on the stairs.
As mentioned before, you also may want to hire a home care specialist who will provide assistance with cleaning, organizing, and other chores so your parents can live in comfort while avoiding any accidents. This, however, is something that you should discuss first, so your parents know that their opinion matters, too.
Help with Their Health Care Needs
When you notice that your elderly parents begin to struggle with their health issues, you should consider taking them to see a doctor regularly. Many older people don’t like visiting doctors because they fear their health is getting worse or just prefer “not knowing.” However, there is nothing worse than postponing these visits and suffering from a medical condition that could have been treated earlier.
On top of that, consider looking for caregiving help – a nurse who can make home visits to coordinate health care and medical management needs. Everything will depend on your parents’ individual health conditions and needs, but a nurse can come only to take their blood for tests or provide care when you’re at work.
Consider Their Mental Needs
Your parents will most likely begin to lose their mental abilities as they grow older, which can pose a challenge. They may start having memory issues, recalling names, and making decisions. This is why you should try to make everyday life easier for them by planning activities and helping them with household tasks. Also, be aware that your parents might become frustrated or angry if certain things don’t go the way they expected.
In order to avoid any misunderstandings or arguments with your elderly parents, talk to them about their needs and what they would like to see you do. Be sure to respect their opinions and feelings while doing everything you can to help them. It’s essential to keep in mind that some older people may need assistance with making their own decisions, especially when it comes to financial and legal matters.
Also, make sure that they stay connected with their friends by talking on the phone, and if they want to see someone, arrange a meeting. If you notice that their mental health is getting significantly worse, don’t hesitate to consult a medical professional to figure out your next steps.
Assess Their Financial Situation
In order to be able to support your aging parents financially, you first need to assess their situation. For example, you will need to know if they have enough money to live independently and how they manage their household bills, medical expenses, and taxes.
If they’re having difficulties paying their bills and taxes or have recently lost their income, you might want to look into the benefits they might be entitled to receive. They may be eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, and other benefits.
If you don’t know how to assess their financial situation or if you’re not comfortable doing so, consider hiring an accountant or a financial planner to help you out. They will be able to advise you on what your parents can expect to receive and what the best option is when it comes to helping them out.
Stay Respectful When Helping
Even if your parents are old and can’t manage everything on their own anymore, you shouldn’t forget that they’re still your parents and you’re their child. Therefore, they deserve respect and dignity and shouldn’t be treated like little kids who don’t know what they do. Unfortunately, many adults who care for their elderly parents make this mistake, resulting in misunderstandings and complicated family relationships.
Don’t try to control your aging parents or blame them for anything. Instead, try to stay respectful when dealing with your elderly parents and help them as much as you can while respecting their needs. Also, if you decide to hire a professional caregiver or home care specialist to assist with your parent’s needs, remember that they are there to help your parents and not you. You can’t expect them to make all the decisions on your behalf.
Conclusion
One of the hardest things about caring for elderly parents is dealing with their stubbornness and unwillingness to accept help from anyone. If that’s the situation you’re in, talk to your parents and let them know that you are concerned about their health and well-being.
If they deny your worry, bring up possible scenarios and explain how some minor changes can make all the difference in their lives. By showing that you are willing to help them, they might change their attitude towards accepting assistance in the future.
