What to Do If Your Elderly Parent is Declining Physically in the New Year

Caring for elderly parents can be a challenge in the best of circumstances, although many adult children find a lot of joy in the process as well. Still, when seniors start to decline physically, the challenge intensifies. Making a solid plan is the best thing to do - and if you aren't sure how to go about that, Senior Helpers Harrisburg has you covered. Here are a few things to do if you realize that your elderly parent is starting to decline physically. 

Make an Emergency Plan

Symptoms of physical decline can start in seniors as early as in their 50s, according to AARP, and while many senior adults live happy, healthy lives well beyond that, it is important to establish an emergency plan as soon as you realize your elderly parent might be starting to struggle. This includes making sure that your elderly parent has your phone number readily available at all times, as well as the contact information for healthcare providers and emergency personnel.

Build a Support Network

Taking care of a senior adult who needs assistance can be overwhelming. You should build a support network of others to help out, including any siblings or close relatives that you might have. If your parent has neighbors who don't mind checking in, don't hesitate to enlist them to pay occasional visits - your senior will likely love the socialization. It's also a good idea to find resources in your area to help out, like a caregiving team who can help you check in on your elderly parent and even take care of some of your senior loved one's needs regularly.

Maintain Regular Communication With Your Parent

The most important thing that you can do for your elderly parent is to stay in regular contact with them. This could include daily check-ins via text or a phone call, or in-person visits to their home. Either way, you should make sure that your parent knows how important it is to keep you abreast of any new developments or sudden changes in their physical well-being. Establishing an open line of communication will not only help to keep your parent safe but will encourage a strong bond between the two of you that will flourish and grow.

Senior Helpers Can Help Senior Adults Stay Comfortable

If your elderly parent starts to decline physically, you could experience sadness, regret, and uncertainty. However, try to remain positive and make the most of the time you have. By surrounding yourself and your parent with a strong, supportive network and by planning ahead, you'll be able to help keep your elderly parent happy and safe for the foreseeable future. If you are interested in premium personal caregiving services that can help your senior loved one thrive and remain comfortable, contact Senior Helpers Harrisburg. We provide in-home care for seniors in and around the Harrisburg, Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, Palmyra, and Dauphin County areas.