Tips for Caring for Elderly Parents At Home
Written by:
Jeffrey Grossman
Published:
October 30th, 2023
While most older adults want to age in place, sometimes the compromise between your parents living alone and moving into a nursing home is living with you. While caring for an elderly parent in your own home can be a rewarding experience, it’s likely not on the list of your life plans.
In this blog, we share several tips for caring for elderly parents at home to help you provide the best care for your aging loved ones.
Tips for Caring for Aging Parents At Home Before They Move In
Start an Honest Conversation
Open, honest, and often communication is key when caring for the elderly at home.
To help you make the necessary arrangements for your parents’ care, talk with them about their preferences, expectations, medical concerns, and daily routines. Additionally, set healthy boundaries early. For example, you may not feel equipped to help your parents with personal care (e.g., bathing, toileting, and other basic hygiene needs). If you don’t feel comfortable aiding with this part of your parent's care, you can get help from in-home care providers.
Create a Care Plan
It’s important to develop a realistic care plan that outlines the roles of everyone involved in your parent’s care.
If you choose not to provide personal care, as referenced in the example above, you’ll likely need to enlist the help of a professional caregiver. Ideally, you should speak with a geriatric care manager. These elder care professionals are registered nurses who can help you understand the level of care required, explore insurance options, establish a budget, and design a comprehensive care strategy customized to the physical needs and personal preferences of your parents.
Evaluate Home Safety and Accessibility
More than one in four older people fall each year, but less than half tell their doctor. Before your elderly parent moves in, conduct a thorough assessment of your home to ensure it's safe.
This includes installing handrails, removing trip hazards, and making necessary adjustments for their mobility. Consider factors such as bathroom accessibility, bedroom location, and the overall layout of their living space to ensure their comfort and safety. Additionally, make sure your elderly parents have proper footwear to wear around the house. For example, if your home is mostly hardwood, ensure your parents wear socks with grips on the bottom or slippers with a non-slip sole around the house.
In-home elder care solutions in Charlottesville, Richmond, Williamsburg, VA and Charleston, SC.
Tips for Taking Care of Elderly Parents After They Move In
Establish a Routine
After your parents move in, establish a daily routine that provides structure and predictability.
Routines can help your parent feel secure and supported. Include regular meal times, exercise, and activities that promote mental and emotional well-being. However, it's equally important to be flexible and adaptable. As your parent's needs evolve, be prepared to adjust the routine. Whether due to changes in their health, new preferences, or unforeseen circumstances, we maintain flexibility in your caregiving approach.
Maintain Open Communication
Communication remains crucial even after your parents move in.
Remember that your parents moving in with you is a new phase of life for both of you, and change doesn’t come without challenges. Engage in regular conversations with your parent. Encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings, and be an active, empathetic listener. In the same way, it’s important that you communicate your concerns, thoughts, and feelings, too. The conversations won’t always be easy, but they are necessary for maintaining a healthy, happy living environment for both of you.
Take Breaks
Remember to prioritize self-care.
Providing care for an elderly parent can be demanding, leaving you feeling emotionally and physically exhausted. Consider taking breaks through respite care. Respite care provides short-term relief to family caregivers constantly caring for elderly adults in need of assistance. Taking care of yourself ensures you have the physical and emotional energy to provide the best care for your parent. Seek support from friends, support groups, or professionals to help manage the stress and unique challenges of caregiving.
Now, these six tips on caring for seniors at home hardly scratch the surface of this topic. If you’d like to learn more about caregiving or need help with elderly parents at home, we’re here for you.
Get Help Caring for an Elderly Parent In Your Own Home
Caring for an elderly parent in your own home is a significant responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly. At Commonwise Home Care, we help carry the load.
We understand the importance of in-home care for the elderly, whether they live with you or on their own. Our experienced caregivers are committed to providing exceptional home care services, ensuring your loved one receives the care they need and deserve.
If you need us to fully take over your caregiving responsibilities or simply supplement them in some way, such as working on weekends so you don’t have to, we can develop a personalized care plan that works for you and your family.
Contact us today to explore care options for elderly parents and discover how we can help support you and your aging loved ones.
In-home elder care solutions in Charlottesville, Richmond, Williamsburg, VA and Charleston, SC.