It’s important to provide care for your elderly parents 24 hours a days, 7 days a weeks, when their health is deteriorating. As their child, it is your duty to take care of them. Your parents may not want to leave their home but their health comes first. It may be time to explore other options.
It could be a one-time requirement or it could be a recurring need. A person may need interim care after a serious injury or during recovery from surgery. Some people with special needs or cognitive impairments may need constant assistance. Here are some examples of situations that may indicate your parent needs 24-hour care.
- Neglect: If your parents do not take their medications or maintain hygiene, they need home care.
- Severe Mobility Limitations: They are at risk of falling and a serious accident can occur without a caregiver overseeing daily activities. Mobility issues also prevent aging people from performing household duties or engaging in daily activities.
- Anxiety or Depression that is not Well Controlled: Although depression and anxiety usually do not result in cognitive deficits, they can become so severe that a person becomes unable to function.
- Relying upon Assistive Equipment: When your elderly parents are leaving the house only infrequently, and for short periods of time, with assistive devices such as crutches, wheelchairs, walkers, or someone else, this is a sign that they require monitoring. Care software makes it easy to keep track of multiple tasks.
- Physical Function Decrease: You might notice a decline in the physical abilities of your parents, whether they’re simply getting older or diagnosed with an autoimmune illness.
- Mental Decline. If your parents begin to forget names and places as well as misplace things, this is a sign that they cannot do it alone. You must take care of them.
- Uncertainty at the Wheel: Didn’t you notice slower reactions, distractions, or nervousness when running errands with your parents or going shopping? Now is the time to confront any odd behaviors you may exhibit.
While moving your elderly parent into a nursing facility or assisted living facility is a viable option, an increasing number are seeking ways to remain at home. They receive care around the clock in the elderly housing spaces. Individuals with cognitive challenges can seek professional help and explore memory care options. For those in need of specialized support, NDIS Personal Care in Adelaide offers tailored services to assist with daily living. It is impossible to avoid the stress that comes with caring for elderly parents, but there are many options available to you to continue to take care of your parents.
This is a step by step guide to help you:
1. You Should Be Honest with Your Employer about Caregiving and Working
It’s essential to have a workplace that is flexible, supportive, and understanding if you are working full-time, while taking care of a loved. Your boss is essential to your success. Your supervisor should be open and honest about the work you do as a caregiver.
It may be necessary to change jobs or reduce your working hours if your employer does not accommodate or support your needs. Caretaking for an elderly loved one can be compensated. Veterans Affairs and MediCal have both programs that reward family caregivers, allowing them to lessen their burden while maintaining their income.
2. Self-Care is Important.
You must take good care of your body if you want to be able to run well. Remember that the body and mind are interconnected. Take care of your health and you will feel and think better. It includes what you eat, how many hours you sleep, how active you are, and how well your mental and physical needs are met. If you’re in good health, you can care for your parents without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Delegate and Ask for Support
It can be physically and mentally exhausting to take care of an elderly parent. Do not be afraid to ask for help from your siblings, other family members, or a caregiver to relieve some of your duties. Many healthcare companies provide respite services for families that need temporary help caring for elderly relatives.
If you are looking for skilled nursing care, compare and research different facilities. Ask for recommendations. Finding a facility which meets the needs of your loved one and offers a supportive and comfortable environment is important.
4. Care Management Services
In some cases, you may not be able care for those who are close to you. In such cases, you might want to consider services offered by a number of agencies and locations. You can help your senior citizens when they need assistance, or transport them to a doctor in an emergency. You can pay for help if necessary. You must first register the animals with enough identification proof before you keep them.
5. Utilize Flexible Scheduling
A daily routine must be adhered to, but it shouldn’t be so rigid that there is no room for errors. Weather changes, cancellations of appointments and other unforeseen situations are bound to happen, but should not ruin your daily schedule. Prepare for the unexpected by creating a backup plan and staying on schedule as much as you can.
Your daily routine should take into account the needs of your partner, but not your own. Be open to changing the routine if it doesn’t work for you both. You may need to change the routine because of changes in weather and seasons, health issues, boredom, and changing interests.
6. Check with an Adult Day Program
Enrolling your parents in a program for adults can keep them occupied. These programs are tailored to senior citizens’ needs and help them socialize. You can enroll your loved ones in a program that lasts a whole day or just for a few hours. Social interaction and fun hobbies can improve their moods and reduce stress. This also helps regulate their sleep and appetite.
Finding the perfect blend to enhance your parents’ enjoyment and well-being takes time. It is possible that the situation will change from day to day. You can help your parents by staying informed, considering their comfort and happiness, and utilizing the supportive resources and 6-step approach. You’ll then be able to give your parents the best possible care. They’re a trusted provider who is known for their reliable and compassionate care.
