7 Ways to Make the Challenge of Caring for Aging Parents Easier
Caring for aging parents is a tough and complex situation. You navigate through the emotional toil of elder care. But you also deal with the difficulty of finding ways to help your parents age in place.
And though the load you carry is heavy, there are ways to make your role easier. Because it’s just as important to take care of your mental and physical health as it is for your aging parents.
Let’s look at areas you can outsource to help you better care for your aging parents or elderly family member.
Managing the physical demands of caring for aging parents
An older parent or person often deals with a range of health issues. They could be dealing with limited mobility, chronic health conditions, or a disability. So they may need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and eating.
This level of care is demanding and one you may have difficulty managing. If that’s the case, here are 2 options to help.
In-home care
To provide both you and your aging parents with help, look at hiring a professional caregiver or home health aide. They can assist with daily activities and ensure your parent’s safety & well-being.
In-home medical care
Depending on your parent’s needs, you may need to look at hiring a healthcare professional to provide specialized medical care. Medical professionals can help administer medications, conduct physical therapy, monitor health, and assist with medical equipment.
Managing the emotional toil of caring for aging parents
Part of the challenge of caring for aging parents is dealing with the emotional toll of watching your parents get older. And if they have dementia or Alzheimers, this adds in coping with mood swings and behavioral changes.
Plus, both you and your parents are dealing with a role reversal that both of you may not be entirely comfortable with. To help make the transition smoother, here’s an option to help.
Respite care
It’s important to give yourself a break from continuously caring for your elderly parents or family member. You can hire a professional caregiver for short periods, use adult daycare centers, or have another family member stay over.
Managing the time commitment of caring for aging parents
Caring for an aging family member takes up significant amounts of time. Balancing your responsibilities with work, personal life, other commitments, and caring for your parents is a juggling act.
And it’s easy to become burned out and exhausted.
There are several areas of caring that you can outsource to save yourself time and avoid becoming overwhelmed.
Transportation services
There are transportation services specifically designed for seniors. They’ll take them to appointments, social activities, or on errands. This means you’ll be able to spend less time driving your parents around and feel confident they’re getting to important appointments.
Meal delivery
Meal prep is time-consuming. And if your aging parents have dietary restrictions or special nutritional needs, this only adds to the time it takes to make food. Hiring a meal delivery service or professional chef can take this task over and make sure all meals meet any dietary needs.
Housekeeping
A housekeeping service will help with the upkeep of your parents’ home and maintain it to the level of cleanliness they’re used to. Some services will even help with laundry and other tasks, freeing you up from having to do it all yourself.
Home management & maintenance
Taking on caring for elderly parents or family members means you’re now maintaining a second home. A home management team can take on this responsibility for you.
They can help with home repairs or modifications like adding in a ramp or rails. And they’ll make sure your parents’ home stays in top condition to continue to age in place for as long as they need.
Give yourself the gift of help and hire professionals to care for your aging parents.
Always check and choose reputable service providers. It’s important to have interviews, check references, and ensure proper licensing & certifications.
If you need home management services for your parents’ home, Mango Management is happy to help!
We’ll make sure your parents’ home is maintained so they can live at home for as long as they need. Giving you peace of mind everything is taken care of.