How do you do aging parent care? It’s something that many people have to deal with at some point in their lives, and most are unprepared when it happens. To help you prepare and get through this trying time, we’ve put together some tips on how to care for aging parents with the utmost compassion and respect while also ensuring they get the medical attention they need to continue living with dignity and comfort.
Understand the disease
As our parents age, it’s important to be aware of the potential diseases they may develop. One of the most common is Alzheimer’s disease, which can cause memory loss, confusion, and problems with day-to-day activities. To help your aging parent care for themselves, it’s important to understand the disease and its symptoms. Your local library should have a copy of a book about the disease, or you can find more information online by searching Alzheimer’s Disease.
Read Medical Research Papers
As your parents age, they may need more medical care. One way you can help ensure they’re getting the best possible care is by reading medical research papers. This way, you can stay up-to-date on the latest treatments and procedures. Plus, it’ll give you a better understanding of what to expect as your parents age. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Look for papers that have been published in reputable journals.
- Make sure the paper is recent – the older it is, the less likely it is to be relevant.
- Check the credentials of the authors – look for doctors or other medical professionals who have experience in aging parent care.
Hire Helpers
You might not be able to do everything on your own, and that’s okay. Hiring helpers can take some of the load off of your shoulders and give you some much-needed respite. When hiring, look for caregivers who are patient, good communicators, and have experience with aging parent care. Most importantly, make sure you find someone you trust. Find someone who will work as hard as you do to keep your parents healthy and happy in their later years.
Aging parents should always be treated with love and respect, but it is also important to remember that they might need more help than before. They may need help eating, bathing, dressing themselves, or taking medication – talk about these things openly so everyone knows what needs doing when aging parent care. If a task becomes too difficult or time consuming for them (such as grocery shopping), ask them if they would like help from one of their children – it can be a huge relief!
Get Rid of Allergens in Your Home
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, as many as 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. If you have aging parents who suffer from allergies, it’s important to take steps to reduce allergens in your home. Here are some tips:
- Keep the house clean. Dust and vacuum regularly to remove allergens from surfaces and fabrics.
- Keep pets out of the bedroom. If your parents are allergic to pet dander, make sure their bedroom is a pet-free zone.
- Control humidity levels. Dander and mould, for example, prosper in humid environments. Use a dehumidifier in your parents’ bedroom and other areas of the house where they spend time.
- Don’t smoke indoors.
Create Safety Zones Around the House
One of the best things you can do to help your aging parents is to create safe zones around the house. This means removing tripping hazards, making sure all stairs have handrails, and adding grab bars in the bathroom. You should also install night lights in hallways and bedrooms to help your parents navigate at night. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that any medications are stored safely and out of reach of children or pets.
Keep a First Aid Kit readily available at all times
No matter how healthy and spry your aging parents are, it’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand. That way, if they do take a spill or have a minor health scare, you’ll be prepared. Here are some items to include in your aging parent care first aid kit -An adhesive bandage -Non-stick gauze pads -Tweezers -Pain relievers (such as acetaminophen) -Antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin)
-Rubbing alcohol wipes
Add Comforts to Their Home
As our parents age, they may need us to help them with both the big and small things around the house. Here are a few ways we can make their home more comfortable:
- Add a ramp or grab bars near any steps leading into the house. This will help prevent falls.
- Make sure all rooms are well-lit so they can see clearly. Consider adding night lights in hallways and bathrooms.
- Organize their home so everything is easy to reach. This includes putting frequently used items like the remote control and phone within arm’s reach.
- Bring in a comfortable chair or recliner for them to relax in.
Remember the points when you’re doing aging parent care.
