Helping your senior parent is a big responsibility, but one that’s worth the effort. You may be their only family, and you want to make sure they’re well taken care of. There are many different ways you can do this. Find what works best for both of you by checking out these tips.
Offer to help them with household tasks.
Chores can be especially challenging for seniors, who may have a harder time completing them than younger adults. If your parent is struggling to keep up with the housework, offer to help out. You can do things like laundry, grocery shopping, and cleaning. This will not only make your parent’s life easier, but it will also give you some quality time together.
However, it’s also important to be careful not to overstep your senior parent’s independence. They may want to do as much as they can on their own, and you don’t want to take that away from them. Instead, try to find ways to help them that don’t involve taking away their independence. For example, you can offer to run errands for them or help with tasks they have difficulty with. This way, they can still maintain their independence while also getting some help from you.
Help them get groceries or run errands.
Older people tend to tire more easily than their younger counterparts. This is because as we age, our cells don’t regenerate as quickly. This means that older adults need more time to recover after physical activity. They may also need more sleep than younger adults.
As mentioned, helping with errands and groceries can be a great help for senior people. You can choose to take your senior parent grocery shopping, or you could ask them if they need help with anything else. This way, you can help fill in the gaps while also forming more quality time with your loved one. If there is something specific that they want or need, offer to pick it up for them.
Take them to doctor appointments.
Taking your senior parent to doctor appointments can be a great way to establish a sense of trust and comfort with you. You can offer to take them in the future when it comes time for another check-up or general wellness visit, but you don’t have to wait for that. If they’re having trouble making it to the doctor’s office on their own, offer to take them. You can also offer to drive your senior loved ones there if they’re not able to drive anymore.
Take them for walks or help them stay active.
As we age, it becomes increasingly important to stay active. This is because our cells don’t regenerate as quickly as they used to, meaning that we need to be more careful about how much physical activity we get. Senior citizens are especially at risk for health problems if they don’t stay active.
Some great ways to help your senior parent stay active include taking them for walks, helping them garden, or joining a senior fitness class together. These activities will help keep their body healthy while also providing an opportunity for you to spend some quality time with them. You could also look into assisted living communities that have on-site fitness facilities and activities. This way, your loved ones can continue getting the physical activity they need without having to worry about leaving their home.
Keep track of appointments and medications.
One of the most important things you can do for your senior parent is to keep track of their appointments and medications. This way, you can make sure they’re staying on top of their health, and you’ll be able to help them take their medications on time. You can also keep a journal of their appointments, which will come in handy if you need to reference it later on.
Don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
If you feel like you’re struggling to provide the support your senior parent needs, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Many different organizations offer services to seniors and their families. This can be a great way to get the help you need, and it can also help your senior loved one. If you’re able to provide them with some peace of mind and comfort, they’ll be able to focus on what’s important: their health and wellness.
Conclusion:
No matter how old your senior parent is, it’s important to make sure you’re there for them. There are many different ways that you can support your loved one, and we’ve listed six of the most common ones above. It may seem daunting at first, but these simple steps will help provide a sense of security for both of you while also forming more quality time together.
