Aging With Dignity: Caring for Elderly Parents
As we approach the holiday season, Thanksgiving is just around the corner, offering an opportunity for family reunions, especially with aging parents who may live at a distance. Many of our clients have shared how they've observed the aging process in their parents, a natural part of life. They have mentioned how dad isn’t eating anymore, mom has not seen the doctor or they are worried about the stairs in the house. It's during such moments that we begin to contemplate how we can support our aging parents.
It's common for parents to be somewhat reluctant to seek assistance, including engaging a healthcare advisor. This is a situation we are well-acquainted with. When addressing such concerns, we adopt a gradual approach, focusing on building a strong and trusting relationship, seeking common ground, and laying the foundation for future collaboration. Here is some advice to consider:
Open Communication. Discuss their wishes for the future, including healthcare preferences, living arrangements, and end-of-life care. It is crucial to respect their choices.
Have A Plan. Most of us have a financial plan with beneficiaries and contingencies in place. Just as important is a plan in case of a medical emergency. Who should you call? Where should you go? And not only that, a long-term plan as people age. Will they age in place? Would they prefer an assisted living facility? Is it time to move from a house with stairs?
Don’t Do It All Yourself. When necessary, consider enlisting professional caregivers or services to provide essential assistance, ensuring the safety and well-being of your loved one. However, even this may not be sufficient. We often see that families need an expert coordinator, backed by a multidisciplinary team. A caregiver may not always communicate what's happening at home to the primary care physician and may not assist with treatment decisions. Additionally, there may be no one overseeing the caregiver.
Respite Care. Caring for aging family members can be emotionally and physically demanding. Arrange for respite care to give caregivers a break and maintain their own health.
A healthcare advisor can help you do all of the above and more, including arranging appointments, connecting a primary care doctor to specialists, including behavioral health experts, and more. For children of aging parents, it’s crucial to show emotional support. That includes showing love and respect, as well as listening to their stories, experiences, and concerns. Acknowledging their feelings fosters a sense of purpose.
Aging with dignity is about nurturing the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of our elderly loved ones. By prioritizing senior health, embracing the aging process, and providing compassionate care, we can ensure that they enjoy their golden years with grace and respect.