How to Help Families Get Ready for Assisting Elderly Parents

Getting older is a part of life that if, you are lucky, everyone must go through at some time or another. The changes that come as a result of aging are numerous and range from physical and emotional to finding a new home. No matter if your mother or father is debilitated or in the healthiest of conditions, certain steps must be followed in assisting your elderly parents.

Fullfilling Your Parents' Needs

• 1

  The first step in preparing yourself and your family for assisting elderly parents is to assess what their needs are. Not every parent who is chronologically mature requires the same things. Many mothers and fathers can still live on their own and only require you to run a moderate number of errands or check in on them every so often. However, other parents may need some level of supervision that can range from in-home aid to having them move in with you or into a care facility.

• 2

  If your parents require any level of supervision and care, it is best to consult with a health care provider. The family doctor is a suitable source for helping you determine the best plan of care for your mother and/or father. A trusted health care provider can also point you in the direction of additional resources such as professionals who offer in-home services or a medical supplies store that can help you equip your home if you decide your parents are to move in with you. If your parent suffers from ailments such as dementia or incontinence, a health care provider can help you in finding a facility that best meets their needs.

• 3

  If your parent is moving in with you, be sure to make your home as comfortable as possible for them. This may require a shower bar, lifted toilet seat, wheelchair, hospital bed and many other items that are necessary for the elderly. If you have reached a decision to move your parent or parents into a residential care facility, make sure your mother and/or father have as many comforts from home that they are allowed to have. Framed pictures, your parent's favorite afghan or bedspread and other favorite trinkets will make them feel at home if they are in a care facility or in your home.