Collaborative Post
Old age can be difficult to deal with for many people. Sometimes they have to rely on their family for help. However many can be stuck in their ways and are reluctant to give up any semblance of control, even if they need to. Here are some things you can do to help family members deal with old age when it is getting on top of them.
Assess Their Needs
Your parents or grandparents may be struggling but some of them may be able to deal with everything a lot easier than others their own age. Be sure to assess their needs and what help they actually require.
Are you able to support them or will you need some professional help from carers? Once you know what they need, you can start to make plans.
Don’t forget to consider your own needs too – if you aren’t up to supporting them as much as they need due to already caring for others such as your children, then don’t stress yourself out.
Consider Adapting Their Property
Is mobility an issue? Then you may want to consider adapting their property to make it easier for them to move around. Companies like Age Co Mobility are able to help you install stairlifts, home lifts and adapted baths and showers so that moving around home is no longer a problem.
Share The Load
Whether you are looking after your parents or grandparents, there may be more than just you that can help. If you have siblings or cousins, ask them if they can help share the load. Looking after an elderly family member can be extremely stressful so it is important to share caring responsibilities between you if you can.
Don’t Push The Issue
Parents can be extremely stubborn and often hate the fact that they are growing older. It is important not to push the issue too much as this can cause animosity between the person needing help and those willing to help. Whilst you want to keep them safe, it is important they still feel some sort of independence and don’t feel coerced into anything.
It is important to pick your battles – you don’t want to feel like you are constantly nagging them. It is also vital that you are sensitive to their thoughts and feelings. For some, it can feel quite humiliating and demeaning to have to rely on younger family members for help with simple, everyday tasks.
Speak To Professionals
You may have already considered contacting carers for help with your family member. However it is also worth speaking to your parent’s or grandparent’s doctor if you have any concerns. They may be able to offer you advice, put some steps into motion and they may actually be the person your family member will listen to.
These are just a few ways that you can help a family member deal with the troubles that come with old age. It can be extremely worrying when you are unable to do things you used to do – and it can be quite humiliating to ask for help. But with you by their side, your family member can navigate this new way of life a little more easily.
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