The roles we share with our parents often evolve with time. As children, our parents nurtured us, provided guidance, and supported us through the highs and lows.
As they age, it becomes increasingly important for us to recognize when the roles may begin to reverse, and we find ourselves needing to support our parents as they face the challenges that come with aging.
Finding Balance in The Situation
Finding the right balance between respecting our parents‘ independence and making sure they are healthy can be challenging.
Let’s look at some of the signs that your elderly parents might need your help and how you can approach the situation.
Physical Restrictions
Physical problems are a common area where seniors may need our help. You might notice your parents struggling with their daily tasks like getting dressed, preparing meals, or cleaning their home.
If you have noticed frequent falls or unexplained injuries, then it can indicate that they really need your help, as older adults are more likely to experience falls and fractures.
Additionally, changes in their appearance, such as not bathing or wearing the same clothes for several days, show that they are physically struggling with their day-to-day lives.
Mental Health is Just as Important as Physical Health
A person’s mental health is a huge factor that plays a role in their daily lives. If your parents start to have memory issues, such as forgetting the small details like taking medication or leaving the stove on, it may indicate a mental decline.
If you see that the struggle to communicate, like forgetting certain words, repeating themselves all the time, or becoming confused very quickly, can also be a sign of cognitive decline.
Behavioral changes are another critical area to monitor, especially if your once calm and even-tempered parent starts displaying aggressive, moody, or unusual behavior.
Our Emotions Play A Big Role In Our Health
Emotional health should not be taken lightly. If your parents are isolating themselves more and more and doing things like avoiding social interactions or seeming sad, irritable, or anxious more often than not, they may be struggling with their mental health.
You can start by being by their side in the form of a support system. Encourage them to take part in activities that boost their mental health.
Socializing with family and friends, participating in hobbies, volunteering, or joining clubs can help soothe loneliness and provide a sense of belonging and purpose in the community.
Encouraging them to do some sort of physical activity, get enough sleep, and eat a balanced diet are also important for maintaining not just emotional health with seniors but also a wide range of other health benefits.
Financial Strains Can Be A Real Burden To Carry
No one wants to worry about money when they are living their golden years. Finances can also be an area where seniors need help.
If you have noticed that they missed payments, unpaid bills, or unopened mail, they might be overwhelmed with financial responsibilities.
Keep an eye out for unusual purchases or missing money, as these could be signs of financial downfall. Seniors are very vulnerable targets in today’s digital scammers world.
Make sure that they don’t fall for any of these scams going around. The sad truth is that scammers usually choose the old and fragile.
Lay it All Out?
Finding a careful approach to these situations is so important. When you’ve noticed one or more of these signs, it’s time to have a conversation with your parents.
Find a comfortable, quiet space where you can sit down and have an open and honest conversation.
Approach the topic with sensitivity and respect, understanding that it can be challenging for your parents to admit that they need help.
Really engage yourself in the conversation, listen to their perspective of the story, and validate their feelings and concerns.
Instead of asking yes or no questions, try asking open-ended questions like “How are you feeling about your situation?” or “What can we do to help make things easier for you?”
Involving other family members like siblings or spouses can also be helpful to make them feel like someone cares, especially if your parents are hesitant to accept help.
The outcome of the situation will all depend on how family members handle the situation. Don’t make them feel like the victim but rather the person that also has a say in the matter, making them feel valued and respected even further.
How Can We Help Them Live Their Best Lives and Where?
Once you have a more precise understanding of your parents’ needs, you can offer the right help for them. Making their living space more accessible and safe, like installing grab bars or removing tripping hazards, can be a great start.
There is also the option of hiring a professional caregiver or taking turns in the family to help with daily tasks. If your parents need even more support than you or your family can provide, then an assisted living community may be a good option for them.
Convincing elderly people to accept the idea of assisted living can be a hard and emotional task. The transition from independent living to a more supportive environment can bring up feelings for both them and their families.
For many of our parents, the thought of leaving their homes, where they have lived and raised their families for decades can be deeply upsetting.
Make sure that when you discuss this with them that assisted living can provide tailored support that enables them to still be independent, while also offering the option to take part in social activities, make new friends, and receive quality medical care.
Intervening in your parent’s lives isn’t about taking control but providing the support they need to enjoy a happy and healthy life.
They may be too proud to admit they need help, but by approaching them with compassion and respect, you can make sure that their golden years are as fulfilling as possible.