5 Tips for Caring for Elderly Parents At Home

By Tork Media

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5 Tips for Caring for Elderly Parents At Home

Research reveals that about 10% of adults in their 60s with living parents will likely become their caregivers. It’s often the case that their parents, typically in their 80s, must contend with chronic diseases and various disabilities. Increasingly, these adults choose to avoid institutional care and instead support their parents in remaining home.

With the right guidance on caring for elderly parents at home, this decision can be made considerably easier. Taking care of aging parents in their own homes poses significant challenges. It also offers a fulfilling opportunity to reciprocate the love and care they once provided you.

1. Understand their Medicine

Familiarize yourself with the medications your parents and relatives are taking, their dosage schedule, and their frequency. Ensure they have a regular prescription refill setup, and if it’s more convenient, arrange for home delivery of these prescriptions. If they are on multiple medications, consider purchasing a pill box organizer. These often have compartments labeled for each day of the week and separate sections for AM/PM doses.

Now automatic pill dispensers that help with reminders and have built-in safety features are available. Elderly care apps are also an option to remind individuals to take their medication. Furthermore, whenever a new medication is introduced, make a point to inquire about potential side effects or interactions with existing medications from the doctor or pharmacist.

2. Select the Best Living Setup

Being close to your parents facilitates easier care and eliminates the need for expensive long-distance caregivers. If the geographical distance is a barrier, it’s suggested that you contact your parents’ local Area Agency on Aging or nearby senior center to explore the most cost-effective solutions.

It could also be beneficial to discuss the possibility of them residing in an independent or assisted living community like Riverview Retirement Community. Such communities balance autonomy and care, allowing them to lead an active and independent life while receiving the necessary assistance.

In some scenarios, your aging parents might require you to move in with you or another family member to ensure they receive continuous support. When determining the best living conditions for your parents, weighing their health requirements against your capabilities as a caregiver is important.

3. Make Emergency Plans

Hospital admissions during emergencies can be inherently tense, especially when they occur at late hours with sirens blaring. You can take several proactive steps to ensure preparedness if your parents or other family members ever need to urgently head to the Accident & Emergency department. Maintaining an updated list of their medications is crucial, paying special attention to anticoagulants like Warfarin.

You should also have a list of important contacts, including their General Practitioner, at hand. Additionally, a copy of their Power of Attorney is essential as it outlines their medical preferences and crucial information.

4. Speak to Someone

Taking on the role of the sole caretaker for an aging parent should not be an isolated endeavor. Even if you’re the only one providing care, it’s essential to your emotional health to have a confidant to discuss the circumstances. This support could come from a life partner, a friend, or a professional.

It’s key to acknowledge that having varied emotions is entirely natural. Feeling overwhelmed by caring for your parent doesn’t signify a lack of commitment or love toward them. The most effective approach is to face these emotions directly through conversation, which can help make the caregiving experience more positive for you and your parent.

5. Set up a Power of Attorney

Power of Attorney refers to assigning decision-making authority to a trusted individual in case you find yourself incapacitated. This is commonly seen when an aging parent transfers Power of Attorney to their children or advisors out of concern that they might lose their cognitive ability to make informed decisions about their own finances, health, and property. While initiating a dialogue can be difficult, it’s necessary. Once this responsibility is formally assigned, it brings a sense of relief and peace of mind to all involved.

Endnote

As a society, it can be hard to watch our parents get older. Caring for an aging parent at home can sometimes seem challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. With proper planning and communication, you can create a supportive and safe environment that allows for quality care while keeping your parent’s independence intact.