Some Advice on Caring for Elderly Parents

Even the most independent people may need elderly care as they age. Adult children who suddenly find themselves providing senior care to their parents can benefit from the following advice.

Find a Good Balance

Tending to an aging parent's needs can be time-consuming, leading to stress when other commitments suffer and free time seems to vanish. Rather than trying to do it all, recruit or hire help. Assistance can come in different forms, including food preparation, transportation, housekeeping, and visits. Finding a healthy balance between living one's daily life and spending time with older parents leads to less anxiety and more quality time spent together.

Make Decisions That Respect Their Wishes

Loss of independence is one of the fears that aging parents face. To ease this concern, respect their wishes as much as practically possible. A cooperative approach can lead to more positive interactions, too. Listen to their requests and try not to dismiss them. Instead, consider how to grant their wishes, within reason, to help them maintain their dignity and a measure of control over their personal matters.

Search for Free and Low-Cost Benefits

Many agencies offer senior care benefits that are low-cost or even no-cost. Check with the National Council on Aging to see what is available. Provide a zip code, answer a few questions, and a list of benefits will pop up. Many people are surprised by how many local resources exist to help with elderly care. Programs may offer financial assistance to pay for prescription medicines, access to reduced cost hearing aids, food assistance, phone service discounts, access to assistive technology, income tax credit for the elderly, and transportation services. Additional benefits are available to those who have served in the military.

When it comes to senior care for parents, a few small adjustments to one's approach to care can make a big difference. Check with community agencies and health clinics for additional resources, recommendations, and helpful reading material. Assistance is available, and tapping into it can greatly simplify the process of caring for parents.