A Dad’s Guide To Supporting Aging Parents At Home

When your parents begin to need more focused care, putting them in a nursing home isn’t your only option. While there are many times when nursing homes can provide valuable help, some seniors prefer to stay within the comfort of their homes.

This is more possible than ever thanks to advancements in assistive care. If you’re trying to help your parents stay in their homes and aren’t quite sure where to start, keep reading.

Assess Their Needs

First, it’s important to take a good long look at what your parents actually need. There are many changes you can make to their home and living situation, but it’s best to start with the things they require first and add to that as necessary.

Start by taking a look at your parents’ medical conditions, medications, and medical care needs. Do they have any mobility issues you need to address right away?

It’s also important to take stock of their mental state. Are your parents showing signs of dementia or depression, or do they have any other cognitive challenges?

Finally, make a list of the things they can do on their own and the tasks they need assistance with. Consider tasks like cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, medication management, and financial management.

Make Their Home Accessible

Once you have a good idea of what your parents need, the next step is to adjust their home to meet these needs. If your parents struggle with mobility, you might want to consider installing ramps, handrails, or stairlifts to help them maintain a sense of independence.

Elderly people are also more at risk of falling, and falls can often be much more damaging to seniors than to younger adults. To help mitigate this risk, keep the floor clear of clutter, place all rugs on non-slip padding, and keep plenty of lights on to see by during the day and the evening.

Create a Care Routine

Now that your parents’ home is rearranged to foster independence, it’s time to adjust their daily routine so they can comfortably navigate their day-to-day activities. If your parents aren’t able to drive, set up times to take them to the grocery store or schedule grocery deliveries. Make sure you’re available for doctor’s appointments and aware of their medication schedule.

It’s also essential for aging adults to get some light exercise as recommended by their physician — this can be key for both their mental and physical health. Set aside time each day to take them on a light walk around the neighborhood. 

If you can’t make it, show them some walking routes or easy at-home exercises they can do on their own. Finally, schedule time for them to socialize with friends.

When To Get Professional Help

Between managing our own families, work responsibilities, and self-care, many of us already have a lot on our plates. Sometimes, the help our parents need is greater than the amount of help we’re able to provide.

In this case, it might be time to consider bringing in a professional. A hospice provider like United Hospice can help manage medication schedules, assist with personal hygiene, and help with mobility challenges your parents may be facing. 

One of the biggest benefits of bringing in a professional is the social aspect. Many seniors enjoy having someone they can talk to throughout the day, and this socialization has benefits beyond mental health. Having regular conversation can also support your parents’ cognitive health.

Take Care of Yourself

Finally, take time to evaluate your own needs. Caregiving is hard, especially for those who already have families to care for. As tempting as it can be to ignore the signs of burnout, pushing yourself past the point of exhaustion can affect the level of care you’re able to provide for your parents.

If you start to feel exhausted or emotionally distressed, take a day or two for yourself and find someone else to care for your parents while you take some time off. You may also want to consider joining a caregiver’s support group. Research shows that caregiver support groups have a positive effect on caregivers. These groups can provide emotional support and help you connect with others who are going through similar challenges.

The Bottom Line

Supporting aging parents at home requires a balance between assessing their needs, modifying their environment, and establishing a daily care routine. By making necessary adjustments to their living space (such as improving accessibility and preventing fall risks), you can help them maintain independence. 

It's also important to take care of your parents’ physical and mental well-being by encouraging regular exercise and socialization. When caregiving becomes overwhelming, bringing in professional help can give you some rest while supporting your parents’ quality of life. Above all, don't forget to take care of yourself and seek support when you need it.

Sources:

Facts About Falls | Older Adult Fall Prevention | CDC

The Life-Changing Benefits of Exercise After 60 | NCOA

Senior Brain Health Boosters | Harvard Pilgrim Health Care 

Perceived helpfulness of caregiver support resources | ScienceDirect