Caring for Aging Parents: Key Strategies You Need to Know

Written By: Marie

According to a National Health Statistics Report from the National Center for Health Statistics, 4.8% of adults are dissatisfied with life. This includes 11% of adults ages 45 to 64 and 7.2% ages 65 and older. If your aging parents are unhappy, it's time to make a change.

As a family caregiver, offering family support can feel daunting. Use these senior well-being tips to develop a customized plan for a loved one's care. Discover new ways to improve their quality of life with this guide!

Assess Senior Well-Being

According to the World Health Organization, population aging is much faster than before. By 2030, one in six people worldwide will be age 60 or over. By 2050, the world's population of seniors could double, reaching 2.1 billion.

As they grow older, your parents will require greater levels of care. Aging may affect their mental and physical abilities or increase their risk of chronic health conditions. Before developing a care plan, determine their current needs.

For example, they may need help with routine tasks like:

Getting groceries and cooking meals
Running errands or driving
Using the bathroom and showering
Getting out of bed
Getting dressed
Taking medications
Going to the doctor
Doing housework

Determine if your aging parents would like to stay in their own home, live with you, or move into a senior living community. Recognizing their preferences allows them to maintain their independence. It also ensures you consider their comfort.

Chronic Disease Management

Your parents may suffer from arthritis, diabetes, or another condition that requires ongoing care. Managing their condition can reduce the risk of serious health complications.

Monitor their condition by scheduling routine check-ups and using at-home monitoring devices. This will ensure they detect any potential issues early before seeking immediate care.

Taking multiple medications at once can increase your parents' risk of drug interactions. Talk to a medical professional to manage their medications.

Create a Holistic Care Plan

Develop a holistic care plan focused on your parents' physical, emotional, and physical needs. Considering each aspect can improve their overall quality of life.

Start promoting preventative care by:

Scheduling routine check-ups
Requesting screenings for age-related conditions
Considering vaccinations
Adjusting their diet

Encouraging your parents to stay physically active can improve their mobility and mental health. Regular activity may help reduce their risk of developing chronic conditions. Exercises ideal for seniors include:

Chair yoga
Pilates
Walking
Cycling
Strength training
Tai chi
Water aerobics and swimming

Routine exercise may improve their mood, balance, and energy levels. Their balance may improve, which could reduce their risk of falls and accidents.

About 14% of seniors ages 60 and older live with a mental disorder. The most common conditions are anxiety and depression. To improve their mental health, consider:

Community engagement (such as volunteering)
Support groups
Counseling
Joining a senior living community

Encourage your parents to foster meaningful social connections with friends and family members. Socializing can combat loneliness, improving their mental and emotional well-being.

Promote Independence

Promoting your parents' independence can improve their mood and quality of life. To help them remain mobile, consider modifying their living space with:

Ramps
Grab bars
Improved lighting
No-step entryways
Smart home devices
Reachable knobs, switches, and outlets
Stairlifts

Your parents can use assistive technology, including medication reminders and emergency response systems. These devices can enhance their safety, giving you peace of mind.

Encourage them to take control over daily activities. Maintaining their independence can help them feel confident as they age.

Request Family Support

Instead of applying these tips alone, request support from family members. Work together to develop a plan for supporting your parents. You may need to establish a schedule if your parents can't be alone for prolonged periods.

Explore Caregiver Resources

According to a study published in The National Library of Medicine, about 17% of all adult children end up providing care to their aging parents. That doesn't mean you have to apply these caregiving tips alone, however. Instead, explore services and caregiver resources for additional help.

For example, you can join a support group or request counseling. Both can provide emotional support when you feel stressed and need an outlet.

When you need a break, turn to your support team. They can provide temporary relief to help you avoid burnout.

Otherwise, continue learning. Explore training and education opportunities regarding:

Stress management
Caregiving techniques
Navigating the healthcare system

Home-Based Services

Use home-based services to meet your parents' needs. These include:

Music therapy
Meal delivery
Occupational therapy
Housekeeping
Physical therapy
Speech therapy

Relying on these services will allow your parents to remain at home as they age. Otherwise, discuss the option of moving them into a senior living community for professional senior health guidance.

Plan for Stress Management

While acting as a family caregiver can be rewarding, it can also become stressful. Before it takes a physical or emotional toll, plan to take time for yourself. Prioritizing your own self-care can better equip you to care for your parents.

Otherwise, caring for your parents may put a strain on our relationship. It could cause grief, anxiety, or resentment. If you're isolating yourself from friends, it could affect your mood and quality of life.

To avoid the risk of burnout, consider your physical, emotional, and mental health needs. Apply self-care strategies like:

Exercising regularly
Joining a caregiver support group
Finding time for fun and laughter
Consuming healthy and nutritious foods
Getting enough sleep
Being creative
Expressing your emotions

Craft a Plan for Your Aging Parents

Learning how to take care of your aging parents can be meaningful and rewarding. Use these strategies to develop a customized care plan based on their needs. Remember, you can always ask for senior health guidance to further improve their quality of life.

Discover the best senior living community in Ocean Grove, NJ, at Ocean Grove Assisted Living & Memory Care. Our resident-focused community offers the perfect balance of care, comfort, and connection in a setting that feels like home.

We'll prioritize your parents' individualized needs through our tailored health and wellness programs. Contact us today to schedule a tour at our welcoming community.