As we age, performing normal daily activities can become increasingly challenging. Folks in the sandwich generation often discover that their elderly parents require assistance with routine tasks like meal preparation, medication management, and healthcare decisions.

Unfortunately, seniors frequently don’t ask for help, and family members may not immediately recognize when it is needed. It can be difficult to discern when to assist your aging parents and how to provide that support. Here are steps to take when aging parents need help.

Discuss Elderly Parent Care With a Loved One

No one wants to lose control over their life. Be sure to involve your parents or loved ones in planning their care as much as possible. Ask what assistance they expect, what compromises they are willing to make, and what matters most to them. This approach ensures they view you as someone who genuinely has their best interests at heart, rather than someone imposing changes on their life.

Remember that your parents might initially dismiss the topic and minimize their challenges; be ready for multiple discussions. Prepare by thinking of concrete issues you can point to and maintaining a calm demeanor.

Get Helpers Involved Early

Caring for aging parents is a major responsibility. It becomes increasingly difficult as they grow older. Their needs typically increase over time, making caregiving more demanding. Waiting for a crisis makes it difficult to determine what is needed, how frequently, and who should provide it. Additionally, making the right decisions during an emergency is extremely challenging.

To prevent this, involve the entire family from the start when planning care, as it should be a collective effort. This might include offering respite care at specific times, contributing to a fund for professional in-home care, or arranging for housekeeping services. You can also seek senior nursing services, where trained caregivers can provide specialized care for your elderly parents.

Ensure the Home is Safe and Accessible

Falls or injuries can significantly impact seniors, making safety a crucial focus in home care for the elderly. Adding grab bars, securing rugs, and enhancing lighting are effective measures to minimize the risk of an accident.

In some cases, hiring a contractor may be necessary for structural changes. Tasks like widening doorways for wheelchair access or installing a stairlift can be complicated and demand professional skills. These modifications enhance safety and enable seniors to move safely within their homes.

Evaluate Your Parents’ Requirements

Take a moment to list what your parents need assistance with. They might require help with medical care, mobility, or personal care like bathing and continence. A live-in carer could assist with nutrition and companionship if you live far away. Alternatively, they might need support with grocery shopping or prescription pickups.

After evaluating their needs, determine how much they can manage independently and whether you can assist. If frequent visits aren’t possible, consider arranging for a caregiver to visit your parents a few times a week or stay with them full-time. Whatever you decide, ensure your parents are comfortable with the choice.

Keep an Eye on the Situation

When you observe changes, monitor the situation closely. This is particularly important if you notice your parent acting recklessly, neglecting themselves, or risking their safety. In such cases, it’s in their best interest for you to intervene, and you may need to be more assertive. This often occurs when a parent is facing cognitive challenges.

Individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementias might not realize their abilities have altered and may try to continue with their usual routines, even when it’s unsafe. Memory loss and poor judgment can make even simple daily tasks risky. At that point, it’s important for you to step in, even if they resist.

Conclusion

Determining whether your aging parent requires assistance can be challenging, as well as figuring out the appropriate steps to take. Seniors often resist changes to maintain their independence. However, if your intuition indicates they need more care, you’ve likely observed signs suggesting they need extra support.