Getting older is difficult for both the aging parents and their children. With that in mind, it may also be hard to tell when your aging parents only need occasional assistance around the house or with basic day-to-day activities. Many children are not really unprepared when aging parents suddenly fall ill or suffer an accident, so here are seven tips to help you:
1. Begin with good insurance
A comprehensive life insurance plan will give you and your aging parents much needed peace of mind. The 50-Plus-Care Personal Accident Insurance Plan gives you an insurance plan that prepares you for anything that may happen.
2. Overcome stubborn resistance
Be firm but patient with a father who still insists on driving with failing eyesight or a grandmother who wants to do all aspects of housework. Understand their fears about aging, because they may be in denial or afraid to admit the truth to themselves.
3. Gently ease them into care
Some elderly people may feel threatened by your offers to help, mainly because they may see it as you being presumptuous. For example, don’t hire a housekeeper or a driver out of the blue. Sit down and talk to your parents and grandparents about the possible options of caregiving.
4. Negotiate caregiving with your siblings
Brothers and sisters should be on the same team when it comes to caring for aged parents. When you need to start talking about your parents' future caregiving needs with your siblings set aside a time and a place for a meeting. Make sure they can all attend it, especially if you have very busy siblings or they live in another town or even another country.
5. Talk about the end
No one wants to discuss the end of life, but it is important to let elderly parents know that their last wishes will be respected and honoured. A good way to broach the sensitive subject is to ask them about their concerns for the future. From there, you can start asking about medical care and, possibly inheritances and funeral arrangements.
6. Take joy in taking care of the elderly
Caregiving is more than medical check-ups and driving your parents around. Remain engaged with them during this time through simple activities such as meals, storytelling and reading out loud to elderly parents. This is also a great time for grandparents to spend with their grandkids.
7. Accept your limitations
You can’t do everything for elderly parents and you can’t be with them all the time. It’s normal to feel somewhat frustrated or tired on a daily basis. It’s okay to take the occasional break. But remember that it’s ultimately for a good cause.
There is no doubt that caring for elderly parents is a big challenge. But the satisfaction of knowing that you are giving them the best care that you can far outweighs any negative feelings. Your parents took care of you -- now it’s your turn!
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