7 Ways to Help Aging Parents Maintain Their Independence
As parents age, it's natural for their adult children to want to take on more of the responsibility for their care. However, there are many ways that children can help aging parents maintain their independence while still providing them with the support they need. Here are several things that adult children can do to help aging parents maintain their independence.
1. Modify Their Home for Accessibility
Making changes to a parent's home can help them stay in their residence longer. Modifications may include:
- Adding a wheelchair ramp or stairlift
- Widening doorways and hallways to allow for wheelchair access
- Replacing doorknobs with lever handles
- Adding grab bars in the bathroom
- Installing lower countertops in the kitchen and bathroom
Working with an occupational therapist is often helpful when making changes to an aging parent's home, since an OT can provide deeper insight into what might be beneficial for the specific limitations a parent might face.
2. Help with Meal Prep and Grocery Shopping
Preparing meals can be difficult for aging parents. Adult children may offer to help them with grocery shopping, meal prep, and cleanup. They may also want to consider ordering pre-made meals or groceries online so aging parents don't have to leave the house.
3. Arrange Appointments
As mental focus declines, adult children may want to help keep track of all medical, dental, and other important appointments. If needed, they may need to help their parents with scheduling and transportation. Keeping an eye on important appointments can help ensure that seniors do not miss those appointments.
4. Engage a Transportation Service
If senior parents are no longer able to drive, their children may want to arrange for a transportation service to take them where they need to go. This will give them more freedom, including allowing them to choose where they want to go and when, while still providing the safety they need.
5. Consider In-home Care
In-home care can provide many benefits for aging parents. It can provide companionship, assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), medication management, and more. Adult children should focus on finding an agency that has trained professionals who can provide quality care in the comfort of the parents' home.
6. Connect Them with Opportunities to Socialize
As people age, it's important for them remain socially engaged—both in person and online. If meeting in person isn't possible due to health concerns or distance issues, children can help their parents connect with friends or family members either by phone or via video chat services like Skype or FaceTime. They may also want to explore opportunities at local senior centers, where seniors can participate in activities like exercise classes or social clubs that interest them. Engaging in those activities can help protect mental capability and keep seniors more active and engaged.
7. Help with Medication Management
Adult chidlren may also want to investigate ways technology can be used to help ensure that medications are taken on time. That may include:
- Smart pill organizers
- Mobile apps specifically designed for medication reminders
- Wireless transmission pill bottle technologies that can notify users about whether they have taken their medications
Find the Help Senior Loved Ones Need at Senior Helpers Lake Norman
Ultimately, it's important to find the right balance between helping aging parents maintain their independence and providing them with the support they need. In-home care can be a great option for many seniors as it provides them with both companionship and assistance while allowing them to stay in their home setting. At Senior Helpers Lake Norman, our team of trained professionals can provide quality care and companionship for seniors in Mooresville, Huntersville, Statesville, Cornelius, Denver, and Davidson. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.