How To Care For Your Aging Parents When They Move In
Healthcare professionals recognize the importance of managing health differently as a person ages. Plenty of parents move in with their children for a variety of reasons whether they are health reasons or financial struggles. As parents age, it is important to manage their health in a variety of ways. The right management of health can lead to increased quality of life and renewed independence. Plenty of parents that have lost a spouse might seem like they have lost hope. Keeping your parent active is going to be the main priority as waiting to die simply is not an option. Below will delve into ways to manage your parent’s health appropriately when they move in with you.
Being Aware of Nutritional Restrictions
There are plenty of people of all ages that are stuck in their nutritional routine and eat similar foods constantly. The problem arises when these habits are extremely unhealthy. Diets that are not balanced not only impact heart health but also result in declining brain health. Going to the doctor with your parent is imperative as many people minimize health problems when presenting them to friends or family.
Crohn’s disease is the perfect example of a condition that can impact the types of food a person can eat. While the person can consume these, they could be in severe discomfort for hours or even days. Research on foods that are healthy not only for the body but also the mind is important. Foods that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids are a perfect example of foods that are great for the heart, skin, and brain.
Support Groups for the Spouseless
There is a chance that your parent moved in after your other parent or their spouse passed away. The adjustment period can take years as many in the elderly community have been married for decades. Finding meaning in life without a spouse is possible but it does take hard work. A support group for those that have lost their spouses can be a huge help for mental health reasons. Your parent might not want to burden you with their sadness or what they miss about their spouse. Talking about a parent/spouse that has passed away can be hard for everyone regardless of the time that has passed.
Be Reasonable About Their Driver’s License
The health of your parent and the safety of others could be compromised if an unfit driver gets behind the wheel. Driving is the last form of independence that many in the older community try to retain. Being realistic about the risk of your parent driving is your responsibility. Rarely will a person hand over their driver’s license unless required by law or the DMV. Do not limit your parent based on age though as plenty of younger drivers are a danger. Base this on their driving ability and whether you would want your kids in the car with them driving regularly.
Look into Prescriptions They Take
The senior community takes more prescription medications than any segment of the population. Taking a look at the side effects of these prescriptions is very important. This could provide clarity in regards to their actions or how they are feeling. Your parent might just be taking the medication without realizing the negative impacts it has. Being involved in doctor’s appointments to help explain the changes in behavior when taking medication is important. Medications of all kinds can have adverse impacts on a person that they might not realize.
Keep Your Health a Priority
Neglecting your personal health to manage the health of your parent should not happen under any circumstance. You are responsible for your parent so this requires your help to be at optimum levels. Exercise with your parent on a walk can be a great time to reminisce while staying active. Mental health is important for someone caring for a parent as well as it can be easy to feel lost. Talking out problems with a professional or a confidant can provide perspective to situations you are facing. Patience will be required as a parent moving in will take time to adjust to for all parties involved.
Home Care
A demanding job or just a night out on the town per week might require home care. Home care truly differs in quality and you want to combine affordability with quality of care. For example, Rosewood a home care service in Atlanta, offers personalized services so that each senior receives tailored care based on their level of need or the activities they enjoy. Home care shouldn’t be about just keeping your parent safe but also play a role in their daily enjoyment. The right home care professional and turn into a friend of your parent and someone they can confide in.
The management of your parent’s health will take patience and a detail-oriented approach. The transition time will likely be far more difficult than managing their health.
