The tables turn when you find that you are looking after your elderly parents. The stress that they once had raising you is now being repaid. When it comes to caring and looking after your elderly parents, you need to invest your time and energy wisely.
You will have your own commitments to keep, and this means that your time must be divided carefully. Understanding what you can do and knowing your limitations will help you care well for your elderly parents. You are not a superhero, and you do not have unlimited amounts of energy so taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for others.
Establish Their Needs
The first thing you need to do is establish your parents' needs. How much care do they need at the moment? What levels of care are necessary? Do they need help with personal care? Do you need to make sure they are taking their medication? Or are they struggling to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle?
What are their needs, and how can you meet them effectively? Through this process of evaluation, you may find that you cannot meet all of their needs, and if this is the case, you need to start reaching out to trained care professionals.
If your parent is a former military member, they may be eligible for assistance through the VA Aid and Attendance Program. You may also learn about this veterans program in Bellefontaine that can help with assisted living costs for those who served in the military. There are also many non-profit organizations and government agencies that offer support for elderly care.
Communicate With Them
Communication is always essential. Your parents need to know what is happening with their care and who is providing their care. When communication is open, you will find that everyone is happier and much more content about any care that is happening.
If you are struggling to communicate with your parents, then think about what you want to say and think about how you will say it. Planning out communication can give you a greater amount of confidence too.
Plan For Longer Term Care
You may be thinking about how you will care for your parents in the short term, but you must also think about longer term care too. Planning for longer term care is just as important as short-term care, especially if a parent is suffering from conditions such as dementia. It can be difficult getting to grips with what dementia is, and understanding dementia in loved ones can leave you feeling confused and unsure about where to turn for advice and support. Planning for longer term care and ensuring that they get the support they need means that you may have to start planning for assisted living or retirement villages.
Prepare and Plan Meals – Ensure Nutritional Needs Are Met.
Good nutrition is essential when caring for parents. If nutritional needs are not being met through healthy and balanced meals, you will find that additional issues begin to arise. Planning out meals for your parents and even preparing them in advance (and freezing them) can ensure they get healthy meals at all times – even when you are not there.
Ensure a Healthy Lifestyle Is Maintained
In addition to healthy eating, you must also try and keep your parents as active as possible. This may mean accompanying them on a daily walk or it may mean getting them involved in a local fitness class. A little bit of activity each day can help them maintain a healthy lifestyle.
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