Taking care of your ageing parents: What to expect and how to help
Published: 13/01/2023
As our parents get older, they may need some help from us with day-to-day things. Being able to offer them care and support during this time can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only do you get to spend quality time with them and make sure they have everything they need, but you also know that the care you're providing is making their lives easier. You may not always be able to fix things but being there for them and listening to their stories is a great start. Caring for elderly parents can sometimes be challenging, but with the right attitude, resources, and planning, it doesn't need to be.
Here are some tips that can help you provide the best care for your parents as they get older:
Communicate openly
Talk openly with your parents about their changing needs, wants and wishes. Communication is vital in any healthy relationship, so staying up-to-date on how your parents feel and what they need is important. They might be hesitant to say that they need extra support, so having this conversation with them will make things easier for everyone. If your parents are living alone then it is even more important to establish how they are doing and what you can do to support them.
Establish their needs
Once you have had an open and honest conversation about things, you will be more aware of what help is required. It might be practical things such as helping around the house, doing a bit of shopping, or helping take them to appointments. But there are also emotional needs that you can help meet, such as just having a cup of tea and catching up on family news. Being available to lend an ear if they need someone to talk to can make the world of difference, especially if they live alone. It's essential to provide practical, emotional, and social support, so your parents feel heard and valued. There is a lot to consider, so it's important to remember that you do not have to do this alone. Plenty of help is available to you, such as Home Care services.
Research support available
Take the time to research available services and resources locally that can help your parents as their needs change. There are many Home Care services that you may not know about, so it's important to do your research. Companion care is a super service that can assist your parents along with the support that you are giving them. It offers you the peace of mind that you are not alone in helping them, whilst maintaining more of your parents' independence. Right At Home provides Companion care in your area and can help with a broad range of things, such as providing company, practical help around the home, or even giving you some respite as a caregiver. When you are not with your parents, the service also reassures you that they are eating well and can do the things they love, such as visiting places or enjoying their hobbies. We support a number of local activities, such as Hayley’s ‘Love to Move’ seated exercise class, which is a firm favourite with our Farnham clients. Or there is the chance to meet new people over a cup of tea and biscuits at one of the ‘Sunflower Cafes’ in either Farnham or Guildford, which are specifically for our clients with dementia.
The focus is on helping them retain their independence in their home by supporting their daily routines and helping with some of the more practical tasks. When they have support it gives them more time to do the things they enjoy, such as spending time with loved ones.
Look after yourself too
Taking care of your own physical and mental health is very important when caring for an elderly parent. It is harder to help with their needs if you are not feeling great yourself. When you have the right resources and planning in place, it can be the rewarding experience it should be, bringing you and your parents closer together and offering you the reassurance that they have a fulfilling and enjoyable life as they age.
If you want to learn more about how Right At Home can help you with Companion Care for your parents, don't hesitate to contact us on 01252 783426 or 01483 662400. One of our Home Care team will be happy to explain how it works and what support is available.
Related articles:
How to find the best homecare near you
Hospital to homecare: Why it’s important, and how it works
Homecare Or Care Home? Weighing Up Which is Right For Your Loved One
