A estimated 17% Adult children will provide some level of care for their aging parents at some point in their lives.
When the time comes to care for your parents, the reversal of parenting roles can seem jarring. Knowing what to expect can help ease this transition.
What is meant by nurturing? What physical and mental health challenges have you faced so far?
Read on to learn more about the main challenges you may face when caring for aging parents.
Managing Daily Activities
As we age, we may lose some of our mental and physical abilities that make daily activities easier. For example, having a lower range of motion can make things like grooming, getting dressed, and showering more difficult.
Aging parents may need help with these daily activities as well as things like cooking, cleaning, running errands and more.
Addressing Health Needs
Your elderly parents may need your help to meet their health needs. Getting to and from the doctor’s office may require assistance. Taking medication and following up with treatment may also require assistance.
This can be particularly challenging when elderly parents have multiple health problems or cognitive decline. Keeping track of care and medication is often more difficult for elderly parents who experience health-related anxiety or memory problems.
Accounting for Safety
If your aging parents live in a standard house or apartment, you’ll want to factor in safety. As we age, we often lose bone mass, muscle mass and balance. This means that the probability of falling may increase over time.
Counting safety often starts with accessibility. Can your parents get in and out of the bathroom safely? Is there a ladder they need to climb?
You may also want to remove other safety hazards, such as loose rugs, unkempt electrical cords, and furniture with sharp edges that can be bruised or cut if bumped.
Knowing When Additional Help Is Needed
One of the biggest challenges in providing care for aging parents is knowing when to ask for help. Do your best to maintain open communication with your aging parents about their various treatment options. That way, they don’t feel surprised or cornered when the time comes.
For parents who need a little more help than you can give, home care is a great choice. Home care allows your parents to age in a familiar and comfortable environment and still receive the care they need to stay healthy, happy and active.
Caring for Aging Parents Can Be a Challenge
Many adult-aged children will find themselves in the position of caring for their aging parents at some point in their lives. Knowing what challenges to expect can make this transition easier and help you prepare for the different stages you may encounter.
Looking for more ways to prepare for modern life? Take a look at our other content and discover new ways to broaden your horizons and face life’s challenges with strength and ease.
