As we get older we see life fly by. As rewarding as it is to become parents ourselves, it’s extra wonderful to share that with our parents. While it can be hard at times to see exactly how much we’ve grown as people, our parents have seen it all and can attest to us becoming stronger and better
But time doesn’t just move forward for us. Something hat’s always looming on the horizon is the thought of taking care of those who once took care of us, our parents. Taking care of your mom and dad and thinking about the future can be scary. Especially if this is your first time really seeing the responsibility and dynamic shift from them to you. But the fact is that their aging process is something we have got to step up and help them with. Plus, I’m sure you want to care for your parents just like they cared for you, with lots of love, care, and devotion.
That being said, this road can still be confusing. But nowadays there is no need to worry, with tons of devices that can be installed in their homes to make their lives a little easier as they age. So with that in mind, we’ve identified two important questions that can help you and your parents assess their needs, so you can find ways to help them as they get older
How Do Your Parents Get Around Their House?
As people get older, they can’t get around like they did before. It’s important to think about if you’re starting to see them shake or struggle with walking. For some, it can be smaller things like having trouble using scissors, or even tackling the stairs. As time goes on, you may need to figure out what exactly your parents need to keep being independently mobile.
Whether you want to install carpet to prevent slipping, or letting Jameson Medical help install a chairlift next to your stairs, personalization is key. No matter what they need, they won’t be the only person out there with the same issue. Someone is sure to have designed a solution already. Once you pin down exactly what potential issues could be hindering your parents’ mobility, you can find the perfect solution to help them continue moving around on their own.
What Community Do Your Parents Have?
Next up is thinking about the community around your mom and dad. Who do they talk to on a daily basis? Is that community encouraging them to engage with activities? Do they attend church?
Just because our parents are getting older doesn’t mean they need any less socialization. Feeling part of a community helps fight off loneliness which is one of the biggest plagues on old people all over the world. Making sure our parents feel part of something bigger is important for so many reasons. Being part of a community helps us feel whole and give us all a more fulfilling life. If you feel like your parents are lacking community, get them involved with volunteering, or a local club. Busy days filled with people they like can only make their lives better.
All in all, we want to do the best for our parents. There are many questions to ask but if we open a dialogue and make our parents feel safe coming to us with issues, we can help them age with grace. It can be scary to think about these things, but it’s important to help our mothers and fathers just like they helped us.