When your parents begin to show signs of ageing, it almost feels like it’s your responsibility to protect their health and happiness.
It’s difficult to distinguish between being excessively controlling and taking over their lives and simply wanting to offer them the care that they previously showed you. It is critical that they retain decision-making authority, but it is also critical that you work together to safeguard their health, safety, and well-being.
To assist you navigate the next stages of your life, we’ve created a checklist to spark some talks.
- Is their living situation suitable or are some modifications necessary?
Many elderly people want to remain living in their home for as long as possible however, as their needs change it is important to assess if living at home is safe without some modification. Potential changes you might want to consider:
- Don’t use rugs – Check that all carpets are firmly fixed to the floor
- Install grab bars – This is particularly useful in toilets and showers
- Install ramps with handrails – Where necessary, this will ease mobility
- Change handles on doors and faucets – handles that may be more comfortable and easy to use
- Place no-slip strips or non-skid mats on surfaces that might get wet – to reduce the likelihood of a fall
- Assess placement of light switches – place at the top and bottom of the stairs for easy access and turn on night lights
- Explore available care options
If they are struggling with day-to-day tasks of living at home such as personal care (bathing, getting dressed etc.) and household chores (cleaning, laundry etc.), it may be time to explore some options for assistance. It might be valuable to ask a friend or relative to help if they are able to. Another option is to hire an aid or carer for a certain amount of time each day or on days when someone else cannot be there to help. They may also qualify for Government support services, in home carers etc.
- Take advantage of home delivery options
Many retailers offer home delivery options, including grocery stores. As you age it’s just as important to eat a balanced diet and meet nutritional needs to maintain day-to-day health. In the same way that receiving groceries via delivery is helpful, it’s also helpful to receive deliveries of products that are may be slightly ‘uncomfortable’ for some to purchase.
- Implement the use of technology and devices
Elderly people who live alone tend to struggle with remembering what medications to take and when to take them, as there are often more than one. Using devices such as pill boxes gives you or someone else the opportunity to set out what pills are meant to be taken each day to stay on track. Other useful tools include devices such as medic bracelets that allow first responders and health professionals to retrieve your vital health information quickly.
- Keep them moving and engaged with friends
Many elderly people believe that as they age, physical activity becomes less important. It is worth considering an exercise routine to maintain good mental and physical health. Exercise has many health benefits such as improving muscle mass, maintaining bone strength, bettering cardiorespiratory fitness, improving joint suppleness and controlling weight gain. Social interaction also presents some health benefits and improves one’s quality of life. For the elderly, social activities can potentially reduce the risk of dementia and improve physical health/wellbeing.
- Consider end of life wishes
Everyone has at least one thing that they want to do, finish or even start before their time is up. It is important to ask your parents about the nitty gritty. Do they have an up-to-date power of attorney? Do they have a will and is it current? Do they have any end of life wishes? What happens to the pets if they need to move?
There are many different steps to help your parents transition into their new lifestyle, with endless questions and ideas to consider what is best for you and your parent. Consider this checklist as a rough guide to help navigate through these next life stages for your loved ones.