3 Tips for Taking Care of Your Aging Parents
Are your parents getting older? Are you starting to feel responsible for their well-being in ways that you didn't when you were younger? It happens to everyone eventually, but the good news is that you don't have to struggle through it without knowing what to do. Here are three tips for taking care of your parents as they become senior citizens.
1. Make Modifications to Their Home
Don't let your parents slip and fall. Install hand rails for stairs, steps, bathtubs and front porches; put grips on the walls to help them navigate steep hallways; level the floor so that they don't stumble over inclined ground. You might also want to look into things like automated lights that will flicker on when they detect noise or movement. You can keep your parents safe and alert even if they're losing mobility.
2. Hire Some Help
This is a nice compromise if your parents don't want to move into a nursing home but aren't quite able to function by themselves. Elder care assistance comes in many forms, including home health aides, and they can help your parents with things like cleaning, bathing, taking their prescriptions and getting to their appointments on time. Your parents will remain independent while also getting a helping hand when they need it the most.
3. Spend More Time With Them
This might sound like a no-brainer, but most parents would prefer face-time with their children over a dozen specialized hand rails. Try to make some time in your schedule for them. Senior citizens are prone to loneliness, but studies have shown that you can boost their health, mood and even brain function by socializing with them. All you have to do is pick up the phone and ask your mom if she wants to grab lunch.
These are just a few things to keep in mind as your parents get older and start relying on you for help. If you want to pay them back for all of your good childhood memories, take care of them now. They need you.
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