5 Ways to Support Your Parents Through Life Transitions as They Age
It’s hard to believe it, but every Baby Boomer will be a senior citizen in just a few short years. In fact, for the first time in US history, seniors over 65 will soon outnumber children under 18.
If you have elderly parents, no doubt you want to see them thrive throughout their “golden years.” In reality, though, these life transitions aren’t without their challenges.
How can you prepare now for the changes that lie ahead? Here are five tips that will help.
1. Understand Your Options
Planning for senior living involves more than finding the right retirement community. You need to make an honest assessment of your parents’ needs and wants, as well as what you’re realistically able to do to help.
If your parents have no major health concerns, they may do just fine aging in place or in an independent living setup. If they’re starting to have some mobility issues or difficulty maintaining a home, assisted living could be a happy medium.
And if one or both parents has dementia or Alzheimer’s, you may need to consider a memory care facility to provide for their special needs.
2. Include Elderly Parents in Decisions
One of the hardest things for many seniors to accept is their loss of independence. As much as possible, include your parents in the decision-making process.
If they want to age in place for as long as possible, can you make small changes to their home to make it safer for them? If it’s time for assisted living, can they accompany you when you tour different facilities?
3. Count the Costs
You won’t be much help to your parents (or anyone else) if you’re always exhausted and anxious. Caregiver burnout is a very real condition, so you need to know your limits before you ever reach that point.
This could mean speaking with your employer about a more flexible schedule or reduced hours. You may also need to get other family members involved to give you time to rest and take care of your other responsibilities.
4. Contact an Elderly Support Service
There’s so much help available for seniors and their family members — you just have to seek it out! This might include:
- Senior daycare facilities
- Respite care programs
- Meal delivery services
- In-home caregivers
- Volunteer companion programs
If this sounds like the solution you need, contact a retirement living search and transition support service for more information.
5. Assure Them of Your Love & Support
Your parents undoubtedly have their own fears and concerns about getting older. More than anything, they might fear that you’re too busy for them or that they’re no longer relevant.
Lay these concerns to rest by assuring them every day of your love and support. Thank them for everything they’ve done and continue to do for you and your family. Pick up the phone, write them a letter, or stop by just to say hello.
Your Parents Can Thrive Through Life Transitions
It’s not easy watching our parents get older and lose some of their independence. But with some planning and effort, these life transitions can be smooth and pleasant for the entire family.
Use the tips outlined above to help your elderly parents move into the next phase of their “golden years.”
Did you find this article helpful? Keep browsing our site for more insightful tips and advice.
