Providing care for your parent can be a very difficult task. It is one that can bring stress, frustration, fatigue, and exhaustion.
According to USA today, “A USA TODAY/ABC News/Gallup Poll of baby boomers finds that 41% who have a living parent are providing care for them — either financial help, personal care or both — and 8% of boomers say their parents have moved in with them.”
If you are caring for an aging parent, here are a few tips and suggestions that will hopefully help.
- Remember to take care of yourself. I always remind my patients’ families to take care of themselves and how they can not care for their loved one if they are too exhausted or drained.
- Take small breaks when needed. Remember–there is no shame in asking for help.
- If possible, seek the help of a home care agency for a wide variety of tasks, from personal care to helping with homemaking tasks.
- Involve your parents physician. Ask for suggestions, tips, and ideas that are specific to your parent.
- Contact a lawyer to discuss possibilities, such as obtaining medical and durable power of attorney.
- Discuss with your parent (if possible) regarding the choices they would like made in their health care. If that isn’t an option due to a change in mental status, consult with their other family members and friends.
- Talk. Talk to your friends about how you’re feeling. Talk to your family about how it’s going.
- Join a support group, either online or in person, for children now caring for aging parents.
If you have any suggestions, tips, and ideas, please feel free to share them with us here. All are welcome.
