As our parents get older, they start to encounter more and more things they can no longer do for themselves. This can lead to feelings of uselessness and depression. Unfortunately, there may come a time when more permanent care is needed. But until you’re ready to make that decision, there are some things you can do to improve their lives and help them adjust.
Update their insurance policies
It’s important to make sure their health insurance and other policies are up-to-date and as comprehensive as they need to be. You can use a site like Easy Medicare to get a quote for their medicare policies. It’s also important to see if it’s necessary to buy a secondary policy to cover additional costs.
Make it a point to take inventory of any other policies they might have, as well, including homeowners, business, and auto. If they are no longer able to drive themselves, you can cut costs for them by helping them cancel their auto insurance. And if they are no longer in business, they may not have realized they needed to end those policies, too.
Have their meals delivered
Many elderly people have a difficult time preparing their own meals. If you’re afraid your parents aren’t getting the nutrition they need, it might be time to contact a local meal delivery service. Most communities have a Meals on Wheels program through their hospital or senior center. Or you can simply ask your siblings to chip in and take turns providing their meals.
Modify their home
It’s common for elderly people to need certain modifications to their living environments. These changes can contribute to both their comfort and their safety, but they may not even realize they need them. Most senior citizens could use some common modifications. These include adding bars to the tub and shower walls, or possibly a bathtub bench. You may also need to make more major renovations, such as installing door ramps or replacing uneven floors.
The best way to decide what they might need in their home is to spend a couple of days with them. You’ll notice if they have trouble making it up their stairs or if they seem unsteady on the carpet. Take note of any problems you think could be solved.
Schedule their appointments
Your aging parents may start to feel like a burden and refuse to ask for help. But in order to keep them healthy and happy, they need to continue their routines as much as possible. This may mean extra time you have to commit to them, but you can also hire help if you’re unable to do it all yourself.
Spend some time going over their calendars, calling for updated appointment times, and speaking to them about what’s important. For example, if your mother has a standing appointment on Tuesdays at a hair salon in Granada Hills, CA, try to find a way to make sure she is still able to go. But if another day is better for you for any of their appointments, talk to them about making adjustments.
Check in daily
Most importantly, check in with your aging parents as often as you can. If your schedule doesn’t allow for daily calls, enlist the help of other family members or close friends. You can assign everyone on the list a certain day to check in to make sure your parents never go too long without a call. This will ensure that they don’t miss meals, appointments, or other important reminders they might need. A small gesture like this will help them feel valued and included in their loved ones’ lives.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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