Are your aging parents struggling to take care of themselves? If so, there are ways to help. Keep reading for more information.
By the year 2030, 1/5 of Americans are projected to be 65 years old and over. Although 2030 seems like a long time from now, it’s only seven years away.
If you have parents that are getting up in age, now is the time to talk to them about getting older. When your aging parents can no longer take care of themselves, it’s ideal to have a plan in place.
Keep reading to learn what to do to help your aging parents.
Assess Their Needs
It can be hard to tell exactly what aging parents need so it’s okay to take a step back to assess the situation. The key areas to consider when assessing their needs include:
- Home safety
- Family support
- Medical needs
- Mobility
- Meal preparation
- Social interaction
Think of the support they are getting in each category and where help is most needed. This process will aid you in providing elderly parents with the support they require.
Understand the Financial Situation
No matter the type of help your parents need, it will cost money. It’s a good idea to estimate future costs so you’ll be prepared for anything.
Consider the cost of medical care, a potential living situation, and everyday costs. If you find assisted living care for your parents, make sure it is within your budget while also being a comfortable option.
Your parents might not be able to afford the care they need when you look at their financial situation. Financial help like Medicaid and government programs are available for long-term care.
Take Care of Safety Basics
If your elderly parents don’t want to move into a retirement home, you can do your best to take care of home safety basics. Safety hazards around the house can cause falls, trips, or other issues where aging adults hurt themselves.
Simple fixes might include the following:
- Clear clutter from walkways and floors
- Add grab bars on stair railings and in the bathroom
- Update dim lights to bright ones
- Place well-working appliances within reach
- Minimize the need for step stools or low bending
To go beyond basic safety repairs, ask a family member to stay with elderly parents or hire a live-in caretaker.
Explore Aging Care Options
Involving your aging parents is key to helping them when they can no longer take care of themselves. If they are willing to explore aging care, it’s essential to know the options.
Some of the most common aging care options are:
- Geriatric care managers
- In-home caregiving help
- Assisted living communities
- Geriatricians (geriatric doctors)
- Area Agency on Aging
If you find that assisted living communities are best for your aging parents, explore the different types of housing. 24/7 care, including memory care, is included for a lot of these communities.
Taking Care of Aging Parents When They Can’t Take Care of Themselves
Knowing what to do when your aging parents can’t take care of themselves depends on your specific situation. Consider the key need areas to help you decide the right path for your loved ones.
From there, you can set a budget, take care of safety concerns, and research the different options. During the process, keep your aging parents involved to learn more about what they are comfortable with.
For more articles on relationships and family, check out the other posts on our website.
