Aging is an inevitable fact of life, and it affects everyone. As we age, specific daily tasks can become challenging. As adult children, we might not be able to imagine the full extent to which aging will affect our parents. This is specifically true if the parents are already seniors and live independently in good health. However, the time will come when the effects of aging will become more evident, and long-term care may be required. Home care from trained professionals can provide you with added peace of mind while maintaining the comfort of your residence of choice.
Some Essential Things to Consider
Our ultimate priority is our parents’ well-being as they grow older and move towards the last years of their lives. Here, the term well-being includes the emotional, physical, and mental well-being of our elders. Below are a few essential things to consider while caring for your elderly parents.
ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)
Firstly, we have to ensure our elders’ physical and emotional well-being by checking whether their daily requirements of living are met. The basic ADLs include self-feeding, moving ability, i.e., getting in and out of bed, personal hygiene, dressing, toilet hygiene, bathing, and showering. If the parents have impaired health and mobility issues, they will have difficulties with taking care of these ADLs on their own. With that said, you will need to get extra help, and home care might be one of the best options. Or, you could also invest in proper equipment that would assist them in completing their daily tasks.
IADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living)
Other types of ADLs connected with independent functioning are known as the instrumental activities of daily living. The basic IADLs include cleaning the house, cooking meals, running errands, paying bills, communicating on the phone, and taking medications. Again, for the well-being of our elderly, all IADLs must be managed and taken care of effectively and regularly. If there are obstacles, you will have to make necessary arrangements to provide assistance. Therefore, analyze your aging parents’ needs and assess whether all their needs are met and what you could do to give them the help they need.
Making the Best Living Arrangements
Caring for your elderly parents is essential for their well-being. That said, you will also have to consider their viewpoints while making suitable living arrangements. You will have to consider whether they want to stay at home or be willing to move into a nursing home with other elderly seniors. Some of the most common living arrangements for seniors include the option of aging at home, assisted living communities, nursing homes, or living with their extended family. Most seniors chose to age at home and live independently. However, it requires several adjustments to their home, along with getting regular home support from a professional caregiver or family. Independent living communities allow independent seniors to rent/buy a home in a community with other seniors. Such independent living communities for seniors will enable them to socialize.
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