It's more than likely that your parents have provided you with years of love and care, from your first breath as a newborn to your wedding as an adult. Watching them slowly lose the ability to take care of themselves can be extremely difficult to bare, but luckily you can easily take over the responsibility and start to look after them as they once looked after you, whether you provide the care yourself or reach out to someone like Care For Family to arrange for in-home care from professionals, or even a combination of the two.
It doesn't need to be difficult to provide your elderly parents with the best level of care and support, as there are just a few simple tips and tricks that you can utilize to change their quality of life in no time at all. So, if you would like to find out more, then read on.
Make Healthy Meals A Priority
The diet that your elderly parent consumes will have a huge impact on both their physical and mental well-being, as the food that they eat converts directly into the fuel that the mind and body utilizes for every day tasks. Existing on processed junk foods for mere convenience will cause your parents to suffer, so you must get involved and ensure that they are eating a nutritious, balanced diet made up of wholefoods and fresh fruits and vegetables. Eating healthy meals is often far easier than making them, and if cooking is something that your parent struggles with then you must find a way to work around this issue. Enlisting the support of a live-in-care provider might just be the ideal solution, as they can prepare fresh meals and snacks for your parent in the comfort of their own home, whenever they are feeling peckish. In addition, seeking out a highly rated 'meals on wheels service' could be of equal benefit, as fresh dishes will be delivered direct to their door each day.
Encourage Socialization
As you age it gets harder and harder to socialize. Your mobility gets worse making it more difficult to get around, and your memory fades which can make it tough to hold a conversation. Encouraging regular socialization can encourage these issues to remain under control, potentially improving your elderly parents mental well-being like never before. There's truly nothing worse than spending your days sitting alone indoors with no one to talk to, so make an effort to pop around with other family members and friends to keep them in the loop. Invite your parents to any functions or get together that may get planned by your loved ones, and don't be afraid to request that other family members do the same. It's important that you can take on the responsibility of preventing isolation and loneliness to preserve a positive frame of mind.
Modify Exercise Plans as Needed
The only way to keep a body active is to keep it moving whatever way that means. Squatting to a bench is a great example of modifying exercises as needed. Listening to your body is important. If your elderly parent has aches or pains, then you might consider investing in quality copper-infused compressions from CopperJoint for them. CopperJoint provides drug-free, pain-relief solutions by creating copper-infused garments and supports. CopperJoint's products consist of knee sleeves, wrist sleeves, ankle sleeves, elbow sleeves, compression gloves, and even compression socks. The goal is to improve the quality of life for people suffering from joint and muscle pain due to accidents, arthritis, age, or injury.
Consider Assisted Living
As much as you might want to help your elderly parents thrive at home, at some point that might not be possible. You'll need extra help. That could initially be at-home visits from professionals, although your parents could need increasingly more help. They may eventually need assisted living.That doesn't have to be a bad thing. It can be a positive development for them and you. Searching 'independent senior living near me' online can be a great place to start.
With that, you can find local assisted living facilities that can help your parents. These will offer a range of benefits. Helping your loved ones with their needs is the tip of the iceberg. There'll be much more than that.
They can socialize with other people who may have similar needs. Coupled with that are the multiple activities that senior living facilities provide.
Your parents could end up with a much more active social life than they currently have. They'll also have trained professionals looking after them.
That could be quite appealing to them. It may also be attractive to you. You can rest easy knowing that your parents are well taken care of while being able to visit them regularly.
You should make sure to compare options to ensure that a particular facility is the right fit for your loved ones.
Helping your elderly parents to thrive has never been so simple when you can take the time to make the most of the tried and tested tips and tricks that have been carefully described above. There's no time like the present to help your mom or dad lead a more positive, rewarding existence, and they no doubt deserve it after years of caring for others.
Thank you so much for sharing this awesome advice! I was a cna for years but it is always different when it is your own parents you are taking care of!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could have been able to take care of my mom! My poor mom! I loved her so much! I did as much for her as I could. She got into a handicap apartment, where I set her up with PeaPod and more so she could still have her freedom! She met the love of her life that moved in above her. He had a heart transplant and lived 5 more years! After he died she went downhill fast. Her MS was leaving her paralyzed. I visited almost every lunch hour while at work and brought her and her nursing home friends goodies. My sister and I were there when she died. I could remember telling her that now she is free and could walk with Jesus! I learned quickly how horrible MS is! I wish I could have done more for her! I certainly would have done a few of your tips! �� Thanking for sharing!
ReplyDelete