As your parents get older, you may begin to notice that they are not quite as independent as they once were. While many children will want to care for their parents themselves, age-related conditions and illnesses such as dementia and Parkinson’s can be incredibly debilitating and require professional support.
Knowing where to turn when your parents require elderly care can be a confusing time. Figuring out the level of care they need and the options that you have available to you can be overwhelming.
How to Determine When it’s Time to Seek out Help
Knowing when your parents require external elderly can be hard, and many children feel guilty if they are no longer able to provide the care their elderly parents need. We even devoted an entire article to this topic recently (read it here). However, while many children feel like they are letting their parents down by seeking options for aging parents, it can actually help them to enjoy their final years, giving them the support to maintain their dignity.
There are various warning signs to look out for, including:
- An increase in age-related illness and symptoms, reducing their independence
- A decline in mobility and accessibility around their home
- No longer being able to maintain personal hygiene or food themselves
- Unable to have any social interaction with friends, family, or neighbors
Of course, it is not always about the level of independence from your parents. There might come a time when children who care for their parents are unable to meet the commitments due to personal or professional issues, which means seeking professional support is the only option.
Here’s what to Do When You Can No Longer Care for an Elderly Parent
If your parent is in need of elderly care, then there are many options for aging parents available to you. From full skilled nursing support to help around their home, you will be able to find the right solution for your loved ones.
Some of the most common options for aging parents include:
Long-Term In-Home Care
Aging impacts us all in different ways, and many seniors are able to maintain their usual independence and standard of living with a little support. Long-term in-home care is one of the most popular options for aging parents, helping them with an array of routine tasks.
This can include general housekeeping, helping with getting them dressed, and bathing. With this in-home care, your parent will be able to maintain as much of their independence as possible.
Companion & Respite Care
Aging can be an incredibly isolating time for seniors, and loneliness is a major issue. When it comes to options for aging parents, companion care helps to provide emotional and social support to senior citizens, helping to combat loneliness and isolation.
If you are looking after your parents yourself, then every now and then you might need to take a short break. Respite care is increasingly becoming one of the core options for aging parents, allowing carers to take some much-needed time off without worrying about the level of care dropping.
Long-Term Senior Care/Assisted Living Facility
If your parent’s care requirements increase to a point where they can no longer safely live in their own home, then Long Term Senior Care and Assisted Living Facilities can give them the support they need. These facilities are able to provide around-the-clock care, alongside providing emotional and companionship support too.
RELATED: Pros & Cons of Private Sitters for Elderly Family Members
Seek Help from Family Members & Friends
If seniors are able to maintain a high level of independence, then another popular option for aging parents is to seek help from family and friends. This level of support can see family members carrying out small tasks such as cleaning, completing errands, and simply providing social support. Of course, this option for aging parents is only viable when there are no medical requirements.
Speak With a Geriatric Specialist or Counselor
If you are unsure of the level of support that your elderly parents might require, then speaking with a geriatric specialist or counselor can help provide you greater clarity on what is needed. These experts will be able to provide you with guidance on finding the best options for aging parents.
How we can help
Are you looking for support for your elderly parents? Here at Sandyside Senior Living, we are the leading in-home care provider in Greater Indianapolis, and our highly experienced team can help with a wide range of senior support services.
So whatever it is you might need help with, get in touch with us today and schedule a risk-free consultation to find out how we can support your loved ones.
Sandyside Senior Living
This information was provided by Sandyside Senior Living in White Lake, Michigan. Sandyside specializes in advanced care for seniors with dementia, Parkinson’s, and all age-related illness.
Interested in learning more about Sandyside Senior Living? Contact Sandyside online, or call at (248) 698-3700.
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