Their Heart...in Your Hands! Caring for Aging Parents

     Just like children crave love from their parents, aging parents also yearn for love and respect from the adults they raised. It’s interesting how the roles often reverse but according to a Pew Research Center poll, more than half providing some sort of aid to a parent over age 65 found it rewarding and not stressful. After all, parents put in plenty of hard labor for a minimum of 18 years.
     Sometimes, the hardest part of caring for an aging relative is showing them your love and utmost respect. The last thing anyone wants to do is make their self-worth deteriorate. Everyone is busy these days but if you examine your schedule, there’s a good chance you can fit in small gaps of time for timeless moments with those creeping up the age ladder.
     Check out some of these tips when it comes to providing love to those you hold dear.

Be Present.

Keep the phone use to a minimum. Talk with or just be with your loved ones and not consumed by the phone. When you’re on your phone, it’s impossible to give your full attention so do everyone a favor and turn your phone to silent or vibrate.
    In addition to avoiding the phone, it’s also important to listen with intention. Pay attention to what he or she is saying. It may be difficult and require great patience but your parents are nearing the end of their road. Plus, you can still learn some life lesson or a great untold story.

Keep it Positive.

It doesn’t matter how positive or happy-go-lucky you or your parents are, the truth is they are getting older. Sometimes this is hard to grip or it may just be a fact that you’re okay with. Either way, it’s generally a good idea to avoid negative subjects. Bring up peaceful memories or talk about a time when your mishap brought laughs later on. Bring up any achievements or awards. Not only does it make you feel great but your parents’ esteem will beam with pride as well.

Give Them Props.

​Continue to ask them for advice.

This goes along with keeping it positive but let them know how you’re thankful for how they raised you. Let them know you would’ve be the person you are today if it weren’t for them. If there aren’t exactly happy memories here, remind them of something they accomplished in their lifetimes.

You may be an adult but you’re still their child. Come to them for advice on anything life throws at you. It doesn’t matter if it’s a minor issue such as how an outfit looks on you or something more major such as resolving a conflict. The point is, you still need them and they still need you.

Make It Social.

Bring them a Gift.

Invite a friend or two over for a dinner party or midday brunch. Have fun as everyone reminisces reliving the good old’ days and has a wonderful time with each other. Food and friends makes for a positive experience and don’t let it become a one-time thing. Make plans for another reunion.

​It doesn’t need to be elaborate or expensive. Bring them a few grocery items or flowers or even an updated family picture. If they tend to get cold, bring a soft blanket. Think about what they like or enjoy and serve them.

Make it a Family Visit.

Let them feel a Sense of Control.

If there are grandkids or great-grandkids, bring them to visit their grandparents. Let the younger generation learn wisdom from an older generation. This is also a chance for them to learn to respect the elderly.

Many elder parents tend to feel like things are out of their control. Help them feel more in charge of their lives by allowing them the ability to take command. Have them solve a problem or dilemma for you or help them volunteer somewhere so they know they are still needed.

Our caregivers strive to be as compassionate and loving as you!  Give us a call today for a consultation!

(803) 470-4770