It can be difficult to support an elderly parent during a difficult time. They may be going through a tough time emotionally, mentally, or physically, needing your help more than ever. But what are the best ways to show your support? Here are some tips on how to support your elderly parent during a difficult time.
Listen to them and show that you care
As our parents age, it’s natural for them to want to reminisce about their life experiences. It can be easy to dismiss their stories as boring or unimportant, but listening to what they have to say is important. For one thing, their stories can provide valuable insights into your family history.
In addition, listening to your parent’s stories shows that you care about them and their experiences. It can be difficult to find the time to sit down and really listen, but it’s worth making an effort. By listening to your parent’s stories, you can show them that you value their life experiences and that you care about them as a person.
Offer practical help with their day-to-day tasks
One of the best ways to support your elderly parent is by offering practical help with their day-to-day tasks. This can include anything from helping them with yard work and home repairs to running errands and driving them to appointments. You can take some of the pressure off of your parent by pitching in and making their life a little bit easier.
In addition, offering practical help can be a great way to bond with your parent and create lasting memories. Even if it’s just doing simple tasks around the house together, you’ll be spending time with them and creating shared experiences that you’ll both cherish. So, if you want to support your elderly parent, offer practical help with their day-to-day tasks. It’s a great way to show your love and support while also making their lives easier.
Help them access resources and support services
As people age, they may need more help to maintain their independence. If you have an elderly parent, you can support them by connecting them with resources and support services. Many organizations offer programs and services specifically for older adults. These can include transportation assistance, home-delivered meals, adult day care, and caregiver support groups. By helping your parents access these services, you can ease their burden and make it easier for them to age in place.
Encourage them to stay social and connected with their friends and family
As people age, they often become less social. They may retire from their jobs, their kids move out of the house, and changes in mobility keep them from enjoying the outdoors. This isn’t just a loss of social interaction; it’s also a loss of support and connection. When elderly people lose their social networks, they become more isolated and vulnerable. They may be less likely to get the help they need when things go wrong, and they may have difficulty finding someone to talk to about the challenges and joys of aging.
To support your elderly parent, encourage them to stay social and connected with their friends and family. Help them find ways to stay involved in their community, whether it’s through volunteering, attending church or synagogue, or participating in a book club or senior center. Staying connected will help your parent age with grace and dignity.
Provide financial assistance as needed
If your parent is unable to make sound financial decisions, a conservatorship can help ensure that their bills are paid, and their assets are protected. A conservatorship is a legal arrangement in which someone is appointed to manage the financial affairs of another person who is unable to do so.
Conservatorships are usually used for elderly people who have dementia or other cognitive impairments that make it difficult to manage their finances. While getting a conservatorship can be complicated, it may be the best way to support your elderly parent. An experienced conservatorship attorney can help you navigate the process and ensure that your parent’s rights are protected.
Help them plan for their future
One of the best ways to support them is by helping them plan for their future. This can include everything from downsizing their home to ensuring they have the right insurance coverage. By having these conversations early on, we can help our parents make the best decisions for their later years. It can also help ease some of the stress and anxiety that comes with aging. So, if you’re looking for ways to support your elderly parent, consider helping them plan for their future. It’s one of the best things you can do.
No one wants to think about their elderly parent going through a difficult time, but it’s important to be prepared for the possibility. By offering practical help, connecting them with resources and support services, encouraging them to stay social, and providing financial assistance as needed, you can make it easier for your parent to get through this tough time.
