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The realization that your parents are getting older and may not be able to care for themselves as readily as they always have can be a tough one to stomach. Suddenly, the roles are reversed, and you find yourself looking after parents as they have for you to this point. Most older people prefer to remain in their own homes to age in place if at all possible, and there are a number of things you can to support this wish.
Install a Home Lift
Even healthy older people may experience reduced mobility. Stairs can also represent a fall risk. It is likely that even if your parents remain independent and in their own homes for the rest of their lives, there may be a period when they are not able to get around as easily. Buying a home lift can make a huge difference in your parents’ quality of life. There are several different types of domestic lifts for your mom or dad, and you should be sure that you take into account the size of their home when you choose one. Even small homes can usually accommodate what is known as a through-floor lift, which can move between two floors with one or two passengers.
Be Readily Available
Your parents need to be able to contact you in case of emergencies. While this can be a difficult task to handle depending on the frequency, you may want to consider giving them a backup contact as well as a personal alarm they can use to call for emergency services if necessary. Being available is not just about being there in case of emergencies, but you should be emotionally available to them as well, depending on their social circumstances.
Support Their Social Life
While it is good to offer your parents emotional support, you do not have to be their only outlet. In fact, it is healthy for older people to have others in their life as well. Look into community resources for seniors. It is also worth keeping their interests in mind. They do not have to confine their socializing to other people their age just because they are older. Your parent might enjoy regular book club meetings at the library, attending local theatre, the ever-popular mall walking, or even eating out to their favorite restaurant.
Make the Necessary Arrangements
If your parents are no longer able to drive, it is important to ensure that they still have access to transportation. This can be in the form of taxis or buses. Your parents may be eligible for free or reduced travel on buses and other forms of transportation. Your parents may be in reasonably good health mentally and physically and still struggle to keep up with home and yard chores as well as they might have when they were younger. Consider hiring help or working out a family roster in which you take turns helping them with these types of tasks. Since your own home will still need to be maintained, try not to overextend yourself where it can be tough to keep up.
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Brought to you by Justin Weinger.
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