More than ever, people are experiencing a role reversal with their parents when their parents begin to age. It is important to prepare for this transition to being the caregiver, which can be overwhelming at times. So, what steps should you take to ensure you’re meeting their needs without sacrificing your own?
It is estimated that the world’s population over 60 years old will nearly double by 2050. At some point, this may mean you are caring for elderly parents. The best place to start with your caregiving is to create an aging parents checklist, so you address all aspects of their care.
Here are some of the critical components your checklist needs.
Consider Their Health Needs
Caring for an aging mom or dad can feel confusing at times. They may express different needs to what you observe or feel is in their best interest. Focusing on their health needs is a great place to start evaluating their care.
Consider what needs they currently have, such as mobility issues, medication, and treatment programs. Discuss becoming their advocate and taking more of an active role in their healthcare. Reach out to their healthcare team for advice if you can.
Understanding your elderly parent’s health needs and outlook can also help you focus on preventative measures instead of having to deal with the stressful consequences of any health condition. For example, you can prevent falls by installing the right aids and arranging transportation.
Evaluate Safety Risks
Once you are aware of your parents’ health conditions and treatments, you can discuss safety concerns. Take steps to reduce risks, such as falls, by removing obstructions in their home, decluttering, and improving lighting. Older adults also have an increased fire risk, so check fire alarms and other sensors are working correctly.
Talk About Finances
It is never too early to start your aging parent checklist. Although some subjects can be sensitive topics for your parents, it can also work in your favor to start the conversation when they are retirement planning or even at an earlier point.
For example, you want to understand their financial resources. Contacting a legal professional for advice regarding power of attorney, especially for finances, may be appropriate. You want to protect your parents from issues such as economic exploitation or difficulty managing money as they age.
You can also check what financial support is available to help your elderly parents. For example, there are different state and federal programs to help with home renovations and purchase assistance aids. Some people find it helpful to invest in insurance, too, if their parents need ongoing care.
Discuss Senior Living Options
Start discussing independent living plans and how your parents want to age. There are independent living spaces that can provide a continuum of care with professionals, services, and a community around them.
Independent living spaces are often the perfect option for elderly parents. They can maintain their independence, and support can be adapted to changing needs.
Discuss your parents’ preferences and provide examples of their options. If they want to age in place, consider modifications for their home. Have a contingency plan if needs change, or they want additional support.
You should also check if there are any outstanding mortgages or other debts related to their home. You can then plan a feasible repayment plan and prevent them from falling behind on payments.
Plan Caregiving
It is important to evaluate what care you are able to provide from the beginning and set clear boundaries. After all, caregivers can experience burnout due to excessive amounts of physical and mental stress. You need to take of yourself in order to care for an aging mom and dad.
You also need to have a conversation with anyone else involved in the care of your elderly parents. Otherwise, you may end up feeling overwhelmed with the responsibility. Boundary issues can be harmful to your own well-being and prevent you from providing sufficient care to your parents.
Discuss what additional support is needed and determine a plan where everyone feels comfortable in their caregiving role. This may involve independent living or additional paid carer support for your parents. When discussing caregiving, also acknowledge any pets and your parents’ wishes for them.
Organize Legal Documents
Ask your parents where they store important information and organize it. Check they have all their important legal information, including a will drawn up and power of attorney. You will then be able to access these documents quickly, should you need them.
Discuss End-Of-Life
Death can be a sensitive topic to talk about for many cultures, especially when it is with loved ones. However, it is the one certainty everyone shares. You have the opportunity to discuss your parents’ wishes and be able to honor them when the time comes.
Discuss end-of-life decisions, a medical proxy, and decide on an executor of the will. It is also useful to take a home inventory. An end-of-life conversation can stay practical or also allow you to connect with your parents in a deeper way.
Schedule Visits
Scheduling visits to see your elderly parents can benefit all parties. It ensures they have regular contact and some structure. It also prevents one person from having to do all the caregiving.
Scheduling visits can help maintain the mental well-being of your parents, as social isolation is a risk for many older adults who live alone. It also helps you keep an eye on any changes to their medical conditions, so you can address potential risks before they escalate.
Create Your Aging Parents Checklist
Aging is often viewed as something that is negative. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. Taking practical steps, having open conversations, and creating an aging parents checklist can help your parents enjoy the process.
Creating an aging parent checklist can also help caregivers. It can take time to come to terms with your parent’s changing needs. However, this checklist can help you address what is needed so you can enjoy quality time with your parents without feeling overburdened.
Did you find this article helpful? Read on for more practical tips!
