Navigating the Challenges of Caring for Your Elderly Parents

Children often feel overwhelmed when they must step in and care for their elderly parents. It reverses the parent-child dynamic, and children frequently struggle with this change. Sadly, this is a reality many children will face in the coming years. They need to prepare for this day. 

At first, the senior could be living with moderate assistance from family and friends. Aides might visit to help the senior when family members aren’t available. Over time, the parents’ care needs may increase, and children must know what to do when this day arrives. 

Parents Aren’t Invincible

Children must face the fact that their parents are aging and they won’t be around much longer. Realizing that parents aren’t invincible is hard for any person. This realization is unsettling, and the child must come to grips with this change while caring for and supporting their parents rather than the other way around. 

Caring for the Caregiver

Caregivers must be patient with themselves. They are dealing with major life changes, which can be frightening. A child serving as a caregiver should ask for help when needed. Other people can take on some of this burden. Caregivers might also reach out to professionals for help during this transition. 

When Do Parents Need More Help?

Parents may not ask for help. They don’t want to admit they can no longer do things independently. Changes might occur slowly, making them hard for others to see. For certain seniors, the change happens overnight. They suffer an injury or become ill and suddenly need additional care. Children will need to step in and help their parents until the next steps can be determined. Preparing for these situations before they occur is essential. 

When determining how much care an aging parent needs, children should consider their age and level of independence. Think of the parents as young children. How much responsibility can they take on? How long can they be left alone? Asking such questions will help children determine the level of care required. 

Red Flags

Certain situations call for immediate attention. According to the National Institutes of Health, family members should be concerned when a senior experiences a dramatic change in their appearance or disposition. When a parent appears confused or disoriented, they need to see a doctor to determine if it is a medical condition or signs of dementia. Aggressiveness, defensiveness, anxiety, and frustration are signs families should watch for. Furthermore, if a parent has a significant medical condition or they have accidents and injuries, they may need more care. Children should trust their instincts. If something seems off with the parents, adult children must find the underlying cause. 

Open Communication

Adult children need to talk with their parents regularly. Doing so lets them quickly detect any worrisome changes so steps can be taken to help the aging parents. The parents may try to avoid these conversations. Children need to explain they are bringing up this topic because they are worried about their parents and love them. They want the parents to have the highest quality of life. When parents think they are doing something to benefit their children, they may be more willing to go along with any changes. The parents will receive the care they need and the children will have peace of mind, so everyone wins.