Elderly parents
As the population ages, more people are finding themselves as caretakers for their parents. Aging parents need help with their housekeeping, medicines, food preparation, bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, transferring and toileting. When your siblings live out of state or if you are an only child, all the responsibility of caring for elderly parents falls on your shoulders. Make a decision on how much time you can devote to taking care of your parents. Enlist the help of others whenever possible and join a support group to share your feelings and concerns.
Instructions
1. Investigate senior living options. Select a senior living facility for your parents close to where you live. Look for a facility that offers plenty of activities, meals, transportation and health care if needed. Strive to keep your parents independent and in a social environment.
2. Hire services if your parents decide to stay in their own home, such as lawn mowing, snow shoveling, a repair person, house cleaning and grocery delivery. Volunteer to do the laundry, dishes, take out the garbage, vacuum or other chores as needed. Hire medical help for treatments, bathing or other cares your parents may need.
3. Provide a safe environment by removing things that causes falls such as area rugs, floor clutter and furniture. Install handrails in the bathroom. Ask neighbors to keep an eye out for any changes that they see and provide them with your phone number.
4. Set up an emergency medical alert system. This system will give you peace of mind that help for your parents is just a push of a button away. Include a medicine reminder call if your parents are forgetful about their medications.
5. Establish a routine for taking care of your parents. Stop and visit them daily or weekly. Routine is a key factor in maintaining their care. Invite them to dinner and take them on outings.
6. Visit the doctor with your parents to understand their medical conditions and treatments. Take notes and develop a plan for their care. Ask questions about their medicine and be clear on how they should be taken. Set up a medication system that will be safe. Some elderly people may be able to take their own medication, while others you will have to monitor closely.
7. Prepare the paperwork needed for their care. This includes Power of Attorney for financial and medical care. Set up automatic bill paying for utility and recurring bills. Have a plan in place if you become unable to care for your parents.
8. Take care of yourself. Get proper nutrition, exercise and rest. Enlist the help of others to care for your parents. Use the services that are available for seniors in your community: respite programs, adult day care, visiting nurses and interfaith volunteer help.
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