
It’s not always easy to take care of our parents when they grow older. They may need help with basic tasks like paying their bills, taking a bath, or cooking dinner. But they also need emotional support and communication from us, which is equally important in making them feel loved and cared for.
From time to time you might find that you are feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for your aging parent, but don’t let this stop you from providing regular care and support! Below are some strategies for how to provide regular care and support when taking on the role of an adult child caregiver:
Access How Much Care Is Needed
When caring for your parents, assess what kinds of assistance they need on a daily basis. Is your mother able to make her own meals? Does your father need help walking around the house? Perhaps they need premium electric hospital beds so they can rest safely and comfortably.
Do they both need assistance paying their bills, or does one of them require more assistance than the other? Taking this time to assess what kinds of tasks they can and cannot do on a daily basis will allow you to identify where you might be needed.
Be Patient
While it can be frustrating to take care of a parent who may not fully understand why you’re there and what they need, try to remain patient and put yourself in their shoes. Remember that they used to take care of you too, and now find themselves dependent upon your help.
Try taking the time to explain everything slowly and clearly, and don’t be surprised if they seem to forget everything you say a few minutes later.
Hire Home Care Services
If you know that your parents need more assistance than just a few chats over the phone and help with paying their bills, hiring home care services might be beneficial for everyone involved. Caregivers from NurseNextDoor.com can care for your elderly either in the short-term or long-term. They are trained to assist your parent(s) with various tasks. Some agencies provide hourly care for your parents so they know that someone will be available 24/7 in case of an emergency.
Be Realistic About What You Can Provide
Most importantly, try to be realistic about the level of care you are able to provide. There will come a point when you cannot take care of your parent alone, and that’s okay!
A lot of adult children find it helpful to hire someone they trust on a part-time basis to assist their parents. This can still allow you the time to do your job or spend time with friends and family while providing the regular care and support your parents need.
Get the Help You Need
If you find yourself needing more assistance than what you can provide on your own, don’t be afraid to reach out and get the help you need. There are lots of different services available that can help aid in the care and support for elderly parents.
For example, there are some community programs that provide transportation for the elderly. Other services may be able to help your parents manage their finances, or simply check up on them on a daily basis. There are lots of resources out there—you just need to know where to look. Try to remember that you’re not alone in this and there is no shame in asking for help.
Share the Load When You Need To
Remember that everyone needs a break every now and then. You may not feel comfortable leaving your parents alone while you go away for the weekend, but there are some things you can do to share the load with others. If it’s possible, try to coordinate care with other family members who are willing to help out.
You can also ask friends or neighbors if they would be willing to check in on your parents during the day when you can’t. Whatever you do, make sure to take time for yourself every once in a while. Also, consider hiring a professional service to check up on your parents.
Get Financial Support
If you find yourself needing more financial assistance than what you’re able to provide on your own, consider asking for some help from the government. The state might offer benefits and programs that can assist with costs related to caring for elderly parents. This may be something to look into—especially if you plan on working part-time or if your financial situation changes.
When caring for your parents, it can be difficult to get out of bed in the morning knowing that you have so much work ahead of you. But remember that they are doing their best to reach out and communicate their needs, even if they may at times seem frustrating or helpless. As long as you provide regular care and support, you honor their past efforts and show them that they’ve passed on their great qualities to you.