Aging is an inescapable part of life. Taking care of our parents in their golden years can be confusing. Most baby boomers are busy taking care of their own families and careers to caring for others. Getting old is hard for both parents and families involved. It requires meticulous planning and preparedness to take care of senior citizens.
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Tips to Help you Take care of your Parents in their Golden Years
Have good insurance
You will not be stressed about taking care of your parents in their golden years if you have life insurance. It will give you peace of mind, knowing that their health is covered. There are times when we don’t have money and this is where life insurance comes in handy. Several companies sell life insurance. Review your options and pick the one you are comfortable with.
Consider your options
Consider whether your parents will be better off in an elderly institution or receive home care. This is not the kind of decision to make hurriedly. Talk with your siblings to determine the best choice for your parents. You can enroll them in senior home care if you have the resources. Alternatively, you could take turns with your siblings or relatives to ease the pressure. Taking care of your parents in their golden years should not feel like a burden. You will do your best if it comes to your heart.
Keep open communication
Your parents have a right to know the plans you have for them. It is vital to let them know if you will not be able to take care of them by yourself. They should know what you plan to do with their home and where they will live. In case you plan to hire someone to take care of them, inform them in advance. Failure to keep an open communication platform creates resistance and resentment between parents and children. Keep in mind that your parents have lived longer than you. Despite being incapacitated and unable to take care of themselves, they deserve the utmost respect.
Be prepared
Your parents might be well now, but things can change anytime. It is good to prepare well so that you are not caught off guard. If your parents are still healthy and robust, ask them how they wish to live in their golden years. Moreover, be emotionally prepared to let them live in elderly care homes if need be. It is okay if you cannot take care of them alone. It is okay to ask for help if you are busy or overwhelmed. Your parents understand that you have a family to take care of, and you cannot juggle everything at once. Be prepared for difficult conversations and keep an open mind. If they are not ready to relocate to another place, let them be.
Take it Slow
Your parents can resist care if they feel pressured or forced. Ease them into care by explaining to them why they need it in the first place. The decision to put a relative suffering from Alzheimer’s disease in a nursing home is always a tough one to make. On the other hand, caring for them at home requires significant financial, social, and personal sacrifices. Therefore, don’t be in a hurry to let them go but keep close contact to make them comfortable. Adjusting to a new environment is not easy for anyone.
Thanks for reminding me that I have to consider if my parents will do well in elderly institution or if they prefer home care. My parents are nearing the age of retirement and I’m worried that we haven’t discussed their living arrangements yet. I’ll try to consult them this afternoon and see what are their thoughts about live-in care.