How to Care for Aging Parents

Do you find yourself in the position of having to care for your aging parents?

We are all growing older, but so are they – and providing them with the right care and support can feel like a part-time job. That job can feel complex and emotional, but also rewarding.

In this article, we’ll cover:

How aging truly affects your parents
Practical changes you might need to make to their current living situation
Medical care for your aging parent
Financial and legal considerations
Essential support for you
Free informational resources for elderly care

We want to offer some help and guidance as you navigate this important phase.

Understanding What Your Aging Parents Are Going Through

As you’re likely well aware, aging brings about physical, cognitive, and emotional changes that impact our overall well-being. By recognizing these changes, you can offer your parents better empathy and support.

Your aging parents may experience reduced strength, flexibility, and mobility, making everyday activities more challenging. You can help them create a safe living space that minimizes the risk of falls and accidents.

Cognitive changes, including memory loss and difficulty concentrating, are common. Your patience and understanding for them will become appreciated and even essential.

Emotionally, aging parents may face mood swings, anxiety, or depression. Engaging in open conversations and encouraging their social lives can truly enhance their emotional well-being.

We’ll cover each of these changes with guidance on how you can help throughout this article so you can create your plan of care.

How to Create the Right Environment for Your Aging Parents

Creating a supportive environment tailored to your aging parent’s needs will go a long way! Consider the following key aspects:

1. Adapt their home for safety and accessibility.

If their mobility decreases, they may need home modifications. Here are some ways to modify the home of an aging parent:

Install handrails in hallways and staircases
Place grab bars in bathrooms
Remove tripping hazards
Keep everyday items well within their reach
Make sure pathways are well-lit

Eventually, you may also need to make the home wheelchair accessible.

2. Provide emotional support and companionship.

Aging can be lonely and emotionally taxing. Regularly spend quality time with your parents, engage in meaningful conversations, and show genuine interest in their lives. Consider scheduling a standing day of the week (or more) for in-person visits or phone calls. Encourage them to participate in social activities and clubs, and to maintain connections with their friends and family. If this isn’t coming naturally to them, you can arrange visits from friends or hiring companions.

3. Encourage their independence as long as you can.

Balancing safety and independence is crucial, but knowing that you are rooting for them in their own lives will mean a lot to them. Allow your parents to make decisions about their daily activities and respect their autonomy.

Of course, you should take necessary precautions to ensure their safety, like installing medical alert systems and ensuring easy access to emergency numbers. But a healthy balance of freedom and safety will help them maintain their dignity and well-being.

Managing the Medical Care of Your Aging Parent

Healthcare should be one of the biggest pieces of your overall plan to care for your parents. Here are some important things you can do:

Research local doctors, specialists, and hospitals that specialize in geriatric care. Look for providers experienced in treating common aging-related health concerns.
Educate yourself on common health issues that come with age, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. This will allow you to anticipate your parents’ needs and provide appropriate care.
Learn about the conditions they may already have, their symptoms, and available treatments to communicate effectively with healthcare providers and make informed decisions.
Navigating multiple prescriptions can be complicated. Be sure to maintain a comprehensive record of all their medications, including dosages and potential side effects. Regularly review this information with healthcare providers to ensure proper management and awareness of potential drug interactions.

Learn more about how Beacon Capital Management can help you and your parents with healthcare and insurance planning.

Financial and Legal Considerations

Addressing financial and legal aspects is crucial when caring for aging parents. Key considerations include:

Planning for long-term care costs: Long-term care can be expensive. Discuss options such as long-term care insurance as early as possible, or setting aside money specifically for their care.

Understanding Medicare and Medicaid: Familiarize yourself with the benefits and limitations of Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare provides health coverage for individuals aged 65 and older, while Medicaid assists low-income individuals and families. Knowing eligibility requirements and coverage details helps you make informed decisions.

Creating a power of attorney and advanced directives: Establishing legal documents that grant authority to make financial and medical decisions on behalf of your parents if they become incapacitated is essential. A power of attorney allows you to handle financial affairs, while advanced directives outline healthcare preferences.

By addressing these financial and legal considerations, you can ensure your aging parents receive the care they need while protecting their interests. Here at Beacon, we have both legal and financial professionals to help your family make the best decisions for your unique situation.

Getting Support and Resources

You don’t have to care for aging parents alone. Seeking support and using resources available to you can make this part of life more manageable. Here are three places to look for help:

Local support groups and organizations.

Local and online support groups and organizations provide a safe space for caregivers to share experiences, gain emotional support, and get connected with other resources. In fact, these are becoming increasingly popular on Facebook. We highly recommend finding a support group as you care for your aging parent.

Respite care options for caregivers.

Taking breaks and prioritizing your well-being should not be overlooked. Respite care provides temporary relief, allowing you to recharge. Don’t be afraid to ask a family member or friend to step in, or use professional respite care services to prevent burnout and continue providing quality care.

Community resources and assistance programs.

Many communities and churches offer resources and assistance programs designed to support caregivers and aging parents. These resources may include home care services, meal delivery programs, transportation assistance, and more.

See the bottom of this article for free informational resources to aid in learning how to provide the best care for your aging parents.

Self-Care for Caregivers of Aging Parents

While caring for aging parents can be rewarding, it can also be challenging. As a caregiver, taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for your loved ones, whether it’s your aging parent or your immediate family, or someone else. Here are key aspects of self-care to help you manage stress, prioritize your well-being, and balance caregiving with your personal life:

Recognizing and managing caregiver stress: Caregiving can be emotionally and physically demanding, leading to stress and burnout. Recognize signs of stress, such as feelings of overwhelm, fatigue, or irritability. Acknowledge your emotions and seek support from friends, family, or support groups. Engage in stress-relief activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or hobbies that bring you joy.

Prioritizing your physical and mental well-being: Your well-being is vital to your caregiving ability. Prioritize physical health by eating well, exercising regularly, and getting sufficient sleep. Pay attention to mental health by practicing self-compassion and seeing a professional therapist.

Finding balance between caregiving and personal life: Taking care of an aging parent should not take over your entire life. Set boundaries and communicate your needs with family members or friends who can provide support. Delegate tasks when possible and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Make time for activities you enjoy and maintain social connections to prevent isolation.

As you make your way through this rewarding, but sometimes challenging phase, we’re here for however we can help. Let’s make sure your aging parents’ and your overall financial plan is in order. Schedule a call with our office today.

Free Informational Resources for Caring for Aging and Elderly Parents:

AARP Caregiving Resource Center – Offers a wealth of free articles, guides, and tools for caregivers.
National Institute on Aging (NIA) – Provides free, comprehensive information on health topics related to aging, including caregiving.
Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) – Offers free educational resources, policy updates, and caregiving advice.
Mayo Clinic Elder Care – Provides free, reliable health information and advice on elder care.
Caring.com – Offers free advice articles, reviews of senior care options, and forums for caregivers.
Alzheimer’s Association – Provides free resources, support groups, and information for those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) – Offers free research, advocacy, and resources to support caregivers.
Eldercare Locator – A free public service that connects caregivers to local services and support.
Next Step in Care – Provides free guides and checklists to help caregivers manage care transitions.
DailyCaring – Offers free practical caregiving tips and advice on a wide range of topics.

These resources offer free information, support, and tools to help you care for your aging and elderly parents effectively.

If you would like a free consultation to discuss the best approach for your aging parent or your specific situation, we are happy to meet with you. Just give us a call. (615) 716-2061.