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Helping a parent live at home for as long as possible gives them a greater sense of independence and joyful living. It also means that they enjoy a comfortable, reassuring space in which they know where everything is and how everything functions. They can maintain normalcy by living at their own pace and maintaining their usual daily habits. Further, by residing at home, aging people are less exposed to illnesses that may come with being in populated care homes.
If your parents are living at home at an advanced age, there are ways to support them so that they can continue to live life to its fullest.
Be Gentle with The Role Reversal
Having spent their entire adult lives educating, supporting, and nurturing their children, the role reversal might be met with a bit of resistance. Acknowledging that they need help might be tough for some seniors. If your offers of help have been met with opposition, consider asking a friend or family member to have a gentle word. Overall, be patient during this transition.
Consider Professional Care
If one of your parents has been diagnosed with a life-altering illness such as dementia, consider seeking professional in-home care.
This form of care will allow your parent to receive gentle, expert assistance while providing you (and potentially another parent) with an educated support network and respite. Services like Integracare Home Care specialize in compassionate support in the home, allowing your parent to age in place comfortably and safely.
Assist but Don’t Overbear
When a parent reaches out and asks for help with a task, see yourself as an assistant and not the organizer. Limit how much you control the situation and listen to your parents’ wants and needs. For example, if your parent would like a piece of furniture moved, provide physical help, but listen to where they’d like it and how they’d like it set up.
Minimize Potential Pitfalls
In Toronto alone, one in three older adults experiences a fall every year. The most likely locales for these trips are at home, in the bedroom, and the bathroom.
Cast an eye over your parents’ house. If certain areas may cause an accident and you see room for improvement, gently broach the subject with a parent. For example, a curled-up rug corner can easily cause a fall. Ask if you can move the rug to weigh the corner down, get an adhesive for the corner, or remove the rug completely — giving options allows an element of control, keeping the final decision with your parent.
Similarly, consider the installation of safety bars in bathrooms and purchasing mobility aids to make daily acts more attainable for mom and dad.
Maintain Normal Habits
If your parents hosted a regular Friday night dinner or enjoyed a monthly visit to the theatre, assist them in doing this whenever possible. For some seniors, aging can feel like a series of losses: loss of employment, a loved one, friends, and beyond. By maintaining regular habits whenever possible, you’re allowing your parents to retain the enjoyment they gain from special occasions and spending time with you.
Lastly, ask for help. Ask friends and family for assistance if needed, and, as discussed, remember that fantastic at-home care services are available.
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