Aging is an individual experience, with some seniors staying physically fit but undergoing cognitive decline and others experiencing failing physical health yet maintaining mental clarity well into their advancing years. Adult children often find themselves stepping in to provide care to their elderly parents to ensure they receive the best home care.

This blog outlines key considerations for caregivers, offering practical tips on how to manage the complexities of eldercare and provide your aging loved ones with the best possible support.

What Are the Signs of Decline in Aging Parents?

Given that aging is unique for everyone, adult children must recognize when their older parents need help. Some seniors may require minimal help with home maintenance tasks, like mowing the lawn, while others are capable of performing daily personal care tasks with ease.

The parents’ decline may be gradual—or they might experience a devastating health setback, like a stroke or a dementia diagnosis. In either case, adult children are advised to get involved in their parents’ daily routine so they notice changes to their health and well-being.

Certain signs point to a gradual decline in health, such as unopened mail, unpaid bills, or an unmaintained lawn. The seniors may struggle to complete their responsibilities due to the emergence of health issues. Adult children who recognize these signs can step in sooner rather than later.

Setting Caregiving Goals for Elderly Parents

Once families find themselves serving as a caregiver, it’s important to prioritize the health and comfort of everyone involved. Set boundaries and discuss expectations with the seniors. In-depth conversations are necessary, as becoming a family caregiver to vulnerable parents is a big change.

Understand the parents’ goals for their care. Ask the parents to fill out an advanced directive, a legal document that outlines the seniors’ wishes for medical care in the event they become incapacitated. It helps prevent confusion among family members in times of a medical crisis.

Family caregivers and the seniors they care for may be comfortable with certain tasks but not others. For example, the senior may prefer someone other than a family member to help them bathe. In such cases, a professional caregiver can assist with intimate tasks.

Deciding the Best Living Arrangements for Seniors

A major part of delivering care to seniors is deciding where they will live. The aging parents might move into their adult children’s home to make caregiving easier. Or, they may stay in their own home among friends and community. Assisted living and independent living communities are also options.

Incorporating home care into the care plan is vital when seniors decide to remain in their own homes. Professional caregivers deliver hands-on care and supervision to keep the elderly safe and comfortable. Their services include advocating for seniors and promoting their independence.

How Can You Manage Finances and Household Responsibilities for Seniors?

Seniors experiencing cognitive decline need help managing their financial affairs. Adult children can step in to coordinate bill payments or manage the seniors’ financial accounts. When possible, lower the costs associated with their care by looking for discounted medications and deducting their medical expenses.

Modifying the Home for Senior Safety

Whether the aging parents live in their own homes or with their children, safety is paramount. It’s important to make modifications so that the home is senior-friendly, preventing falls. Many fixes are simple to do, such as adding extra lighting to walkways, while others, like installing a ramp, require a financial investment.

Easy modifications include installing grab bars in the bathroom and handrails along stairs to give seniors extra stability. Remove rugs, which are slip hazards. Hire a professional to inspect the appliances and ensure they function. Place kitchen staples at eye level to prevent seniors from climbing a step stool.

Why it is Important to Help With Meal Preparation for Seniors

Aging parents who are no longer able to cook due to cognitive decline or physical frailty are at risk for malnutrition. Family caregivers should shop for groceries and prepare balanced meals to ensure the senior continues to consume enough nutrients. Preparing and freezing meals can be convenient.

Keeping Seniors Socially Engaged and Active

A disability or trouble with mobility can make socializing challenging for elderly parents. Keep them socially active in the community by accompanying them to recreational or social events. Family caregivers who lack time can enlist volunteers or companion caregivers to accompany the seniors.

What Are the Transportation Options for Seniors?

Getting around town is difficult for seniors who no longer drive. Rather than allow them to remain isolated at home, family caregivers are urged to explore alternative means of transportation. Senior transportation options are abundant and keep the parents connected with the community.

Why Self-Care is Important for Caregivers

Family caregivers must make self-care a priority when providing care to aging parents. Eat nutritious meals, exercise, and make time for friends, all of which provide the family caregiver with the energy and stamina to continue providing quality care. Take regular breaks, too, for rejuvenation.

Finding time to exercise at the gym or meet up with friends may seem impractical when caring for an aging parent who needs attention. Rather than forego self-care, adult children are advised to utilize respite services from Assisting Hands Home Care to give themselves the breaks they deserve.

Elderly Home Care From Assisting Hands

We offer compassionate respite care to aging adults, allowing care to remain uninterrupted as the family caregiver takes a much-needed vacation or steps away for a few hours. Care is non-medical in nature yet comprehensive and includes help with personal hygiene tasks, meal preparation, and transportation.

Home care options are flexible and customizable to meet the unique needs of elderly care recipients. In addition to personal care, we offer compassionate Alzheimer’s and dementia care, hospice care, companion care, and more. Caregivers forge meaningful bonds with seniors to deter loneliness and isolation.

All of your elderly parents’ non-medical care needs are fulfilled with our home care services. Each of our caregivers is bonded, licensed, and insured to give seniors and their families maximum peace of mind. They’re also trained in CPR and first aid and know how to respond in an emergency.

Choose Assisting Hands Home Care to complement family caregiving. We are privileged to serve older adults living in Fort Worth, Texas, with quality senior home care. Schedule a free in-home consultation and we’ll customize the ideal home care plan for your aging loved one.