Looking after an elderly parent is a challenge. Depending on their level of ability and independence, you may find that the fact they require additional care comes as a surprise. Fortunately, there are many options available to you when it comes to finding the right care for your parent. It’s just about choosing what is most suitable and will enhance your parent’s quality of life.
Whether you live nearby or rarely find the opportunity to visit, discovering that your parent is in need of support can be unsettling. Not every family is the same, and what works for one might be wrong for another. This goes for people, too. Just because your parent requires additional care doesn’t mean that there is a single correct approach. They are a unique individual with complex needs and their own opinions. Their feelings on the matter should not be ignored.
Adjustments at Home
If your parent doesn’t want to leave their own home, there are ways that you can help them live a safer and more comfortable life. For example, professional carers can visit your parent to ensure that they are eating well and have someone to talk to. Mobility aids such as ramps and handrails can also help to make your parent’s home safer and more accessible if they have difficulty moving.
Moving in With Family
If you have other family members, such as siblings, who might consider inviting your parent to stay with them, open the conversation and introduce this as a potential option. If not, you may wish to extend the invitation to your parent and create space for them in your home. A new member of the household will be a big change, but if it means being able to take good care of your parent, it might be the best option for you.
Finding a Retirement Community
A great alternative to staying at home is helping your parent find a community where they will be cared for by professionals. When considering a senior living community and apartment home, Brightview Senior Living suggests you ask the following questions: Will the layout provide a safe living environment? Do the kitchen and community provide the amenities your parent will need? Furthermore, what kind of technology is on offer, such as WIFI to connect to the internet? You will want to make sure that wherever you and your parent choose, it is fit to serve their needs.
Downsizing
Another option for helping an elderly parent find a way to meet their care requirements is to look for accommodation that better suits their needs. This might mean downsizing to a home that doesn’t have stairs and has increased accessibility. Moving home is a huge task, so be sure to help your parent arrange movers or offer to pack up and arrange their belongings for them at their new home.
Whatever you and your parent choose, it’s important to bear in mind that there are multiple solutions to a single problem; it’s just a matter of finding the one that works best for you.
