It is not easy watching your parents, who used to be so strong and healthy, grow old.? Aging is a natural part of life and it can be just as wonderful as any other part.? However, it is not without unique difficulties and challenges. For example, faculties begin to decline, vision and hearing problems become likely and physical activities and tasks become more difficult. Some form of hourly or live in home care may also be on the horizon. It is easy to understand why many people feel sadness and even depression during this phase of life.?
So, what can you do to help an elderly relative cope with the physical and mental challenges of aging? The answer is to keep them engaged in their own lives.
Below are four tips for caring for an aging loved one during this stage of life:
Be Active. Getting your aging loved one involved in activities is one of the best things you can do for them.? At this point in their life, they need plenty of rest and calm, but you cannot neglect the human need to be active. Your elderly loved ones will often want to spend inordinate amounts of time with you.? You obviously cannot cave in to the constant demands on your time, so get them involved in projects or activities that they enjoy. For older women, sowing, crocheting, needle point and other forms of easy creative work are best.
Fun & Games. Playing games can be very relaxing and fun. Bingo, board games, card games and casino games are all great ideas for a loved one because they lift spirits and can provide important socialization opportunities for an aging parent.
Get a Pet. If you do not have a pet in the family, consider getting one. Scientific studies prove that pets can provide valuable companionship to the elderly, lower blood pressure and lift spirits. Pets like a cat, small dog, or other house-trained animals can help occupy your loved one's time and give them something special to think about and care for. If you have an hourly or live in caregiver in the home, they may also help your parents look after a pet. When hiring a caregiver through an agency, be sure to ask for a caregiver that is okay with pets and basic pet care. Many foreign caregivers have a fear of cats and dogs.
Get a Caregiver. One of the biggest challenges of aging is a decline in one's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL's), like bathing, dressing and grooming. Some elderly will require part-time assistance, while others will eventually require full-time help in the form of live in home care. Providing hourly or live in care for a parent is a job that requires dedication, patience and love. You will find it most helpful to look at state licensed home care agencies that offer qualified caregivers. A full service agency does all the heavy lifting by screening, pre-qualifying and employing your caregiver. You don't have to worry about hiring, firing, taxes, insurance and other legalities.
By using some or all of the tips in this article, you will go a long way in helping an aging parent cope with this part of life. Remember to keep them engaged in their own lives as much as possible and they should be just fine.
Bob Thomson is an experienced home care consultant, writer and researcher who reviews experthomecare.com NJ Elder Care services for consumers. When loved ones need professional elder care in New Jersey, Expert Home Care is the obvious choice with nearly 3 decades experience and friendly, professional service to over 5,000 clients! Save time & frustration by visiting their website now: experthomecare.com experthomecare.com
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