Caring for Your Aging Parents
As your parents grow older, you may need to think about new ways to support them. This can be hard, but you can make the most of this time together. Here are some simple tips to help.
Think About Your Job
Taking care of your parents often means changing your daily routine. At first, you might visit them once a week. Then, you may find yourself visiting every other day, cooking meals, or helping with chores. Over time, you could be spending most of your day at their home.
Things to Think About
- Leaving Your Job:
- Good points:
- You can save money on hiring caregivers or paying for care homes.
- You know your parents best, so you can meet their needs.
- You’ll have more time to spend with them.
- Challenges:
- You might lose benefits like retirement savings, Social Security, or health insurance.
- Leaving your job might make it harder to support yourself.
- Good points:
- Balancing Work and Care:
- Look for jobs you can do from home.
- Consider working part-time to have more time for your parents.
Plan a New Budget
Caring for parents can cost more than their savings cover. You might need to adjust your budget for things like:
- Hiring a caregiver
- Paying for medical treatments
- Buying safety equipment for their home
- Planning for end-of-life expenses
Get Financial Advice
A financial advisor can help you manage money for your parents’ care. They can:
- Look at your finances and help you make a plan.
- Recommend good insurance or medical care options.
- Help you prepare for future costs.
Have Important Talks
It’s not easy to talk about serious matters, but it’s important. These conversations help avoid confusion later. Topics to discuss include:
- Writing a will
- Choosing someone to manage their finances or estate
- Planning funeral arrangements
Spend Quality Time Together
Make the most of your time with your parents. Try these ideas:
- Share meals and talk about your day.
- Play games or share old family stories.
- If they are able, take short trips or enjoy lunch at a favorite spot.
Remember, small moments matter. Cherish the time you have left.
By following these steps, you can care for your parents while creating meaningful memories together.
- Consider an emergency alert system
As your parents age, they may come down with a number of health issues that put them at risk. If you can’t be home with them all hours of the day, invest in an emergency alert system to help. These medical alert devices for seniors use GPS tracking that allows you to find your parent should they go missing. If your loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or another neurological condition, a medical alert system will let you know where they are at all times.
With the help of an alert system, your parent can call for an emergency at any time with the touch of a button. Should your parent experience a fall or another unexpected issue, they can push the button to call for help. Invest in an alert system to give you peace of mind while you’re away.
- Involve them in senior community events
If your parents are still active, involve them in events at a community centre or church. Find groups online for elderly people who enjoy the same activities or go to the same events together. Doing so keeps them connected to others and diminishes the likelihood they’ll develop depression.
Taking care of ageing parents isn’t easy, but with these tips in mind, you both can enjoy the remaining time you have together.
Originally posted on 07/12/2017 @ 8:00 am
