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5 Great things you can do for your elderly parents
Everyone gets older every day that goes by, and it can be difficult to come to the realization that your parents are getting older too. It is only natural to think about how you can be there to support your parents as they grow into their elder years, but you have to remain positive throughout the process. Plan ahead of time in how you can care for your parents while still respecting their needs and their desires. You can learn more about five things that you can do for your aging parents starting right now in the information found below.
1. Offer long-term care
Your parents should realize that you are unable to be there in their home with them at a moment’s notice or at every moment of every day that passes. If your parents are elderly and are facing health concerns or feel as if they cannot take care of themselves any longer, consider in-home senior care. These professional care staff will be able to make your parents’ home a safe place for them to live in and will ensure that they receive the help they need when they need it. Make sure that you involve your parents throughout the decision-making process of finding care so that they feel respected.
2. Help in their finances
Finances change after retirement, and your parents have to be protected with a secure financial future. Arrange a meeting with a financial planner or even with a legal representative with your parents so that they can help them in setting up goals for the future and protection of their assets. Be open with your parents about their bills and even about your bills so that you can have a discussion about the help they may need. Understand their insurance coverage as well to ensure they do not have to pay out of pocket if their health begins to decline.
3. Discuss their health
Health may be a sensitive topic to bring up with your aging parents, but it is so important. Approach this topic with a sense of a caring nature, and bring up any symptoms that you have noticed. Offer to take your parents to their doctor appointments and learn more about their medication in case the day comes that they will need medication management. Research the diagnoses that your parents have so that you can understand the best ways that you can be there to support them.
4. Perform estate planning together
No one wants to think about death, but ultimately, everyone will encounter the end of their lives one day. Talk about the memories that you and your parents have had together, and discuss how they want to be remembered and the plans they want you to proceed with when they die. Arrange a meeting with an estate planner to aid in the creation of a will so that your parents have their choices made after death. This will make your parents feel as if they are being heard and as if they are receiving their own desires even after they pass.
5. Have fun together
Age is truly just a number, despite the discussion had on end-of-life care. No matter what age your parents are, take time to enjoy every moment together and have fun together by experiencing new things. Even if your parents are immobile or are in poor health, you can experience new things at home by planting new flowers together or playing new games. If they are unable to actually travel, watch videos together of places they have dreamed of going to their whole lives to feel as if they are actually there.
Your parents have been there for you your entire life, and now is the time to be there for them. They are sure to appreciate any support you give them and any time that you take to be with them. Remain respectful in any discussions you have about the ends of their lives or even about their health and finances so that they always feel heard. You want to be careful to not overstep your boundaries and to remember that ultimately, they will always be your parents before anything else.
