There are many things that you need to take into consideration when it comes to caring for your elderly parents. First of all, it is significant for you to understand the fact that as your mom or dad grows up, the more sensitive they become. Because of this, you have to be careful in dealing with them. They might get offended easily by anything you say or do. Second, the manner of caring for them may be quite challenging, which is why it is necessary for you to be more patient and understanding.
According to Carol Bradley Bursack, “The responsibility of providing care for an aging or ill loved one is a challenge in its own right.”
Below is a list of some tips that you can follow in taking good care of your elderly parents:
Spend More Time With Them
Regardless of how occupied and busy you are at work or for your business, make sure that you do not neglect the importance of spending quality time with your parents. Try to avoid meetings and other appointments during the weekends. Instead, use your Saturdays or Sundays to catch up with them. This simple gesture will already mean a lot to your parents. Psychologist Steven Zarit’s advice to the adult child: “Do not pick arguments. Do not make a parent feel defensive. Plant an idea, step back, and bring it up later. Be patient.”
Do Not Leave Them On Their Own
Always remember that as people age, the more forgetful they become. Because of this, the mental faculties of your parents will start to diminish, as they begin to age. If you cannot watch over them for the day, make sure to find someone else to do it for you. It is dangerous to leave them without a caretaker, personal nurse or nanny. To ensure that they are kept safe at all times, try to hire a professional who can guide them.
Remove Hazards At Home
If your parents live in your house, then the first thing that you need to do is to remove all the decorations, appliances and other items that may put them in danger. For example, always remind your kids to clean their toys as it may disrupt the passage of their grandparents within the different areas of the house. A misplaced ball in the living room may cause an accident for your parents.
Talk To Them
Take note that small conversations can make your parents happy. As such, make an effort to discuss some matters or topics with them. You can start by asking how their day went or what they are currently thinking of. Talking to them is essential so that they would be able to understand more about what is going on in their surroundings. At the same time, it will also enable you to get hints on how good or bad their health condition is. When dealing with difficult behavior, Paul Chafetz, a Dallas psychologist offers this advice: “Respond with empathy but remain vague and noncommittal.”
Have A Regular Checkup
Since your parents are already old, there is a high tendency that will start to experience some medical problems or issues. To prevent the sickness from getting worse, be sure to accompany them in visiting a professional doctor. The executive medical checkups must be done at least once a year. However, if you want to be sure, you can do it twice a year depending on the needs of your parents.
Make your old parents happy by following the tips listed above.