In the USA, 10% of adults over the age of 60 with still-living parents act as their primary caregivers. The number continues to rise.
And living with elderly parents might feel very different from when you last lived together, perhaps several decades ago.
Help is out there. We’ve put together this handy list of senior care tips to help you settle into life with elderly parents.
Ensure a Good Diet
Everyone needs to eat healthily. But for elderly people, maintaining a great diet is even more important. Not only can it help them stay healthy and well, but it can also keep them happy too!
Be sure to factor in your parents’ needs when planning meals. Not only will they perhaps have slightly different tastes from you, but they may also have slightly different needs. Softer, more easily digestible foods often work well, and contribute to good health.
Try to ensure you’re serving up something that’s nutritious, but something your elderly relative will enjoy too. It’s a good idea to speak with your family doctor to ask about specific kinds of foods that will provide the right balance of nutrients.
Arrange Regular Activities
Who says senior citizens can’t have fun? There are all kinds of activities that older people enjoy and it’s good for you and them if you arrange regular activities to keep them occupied and give them something to look forward to.
You don’t have to go outside or splash the cash to arrange something fun. A movie screening, board game night, or cooking session can be a great way to bond, and simple activities like these can help keep elderly people happy. It can be hard to fit in time for fun around work and family commitments, but even a few hours every weekend can work wonders.
Safety First
It’s important to remember that senior citizens are far more vulnerable than others. Their skin is thinner, their bones are more brittle, and they lack the strength and balance of younger people.
One of the major challenges for elderly people is an increased risk of falls. While a younger person might be able to laugh off a small trip and a scraped knee, falls are often much more serious for senior citizens. A simple fall can cause all kinds of severe medical problems and take away independence.
That’s why a key part of elder care is working to prevent falls.
Take a Break
Living with elderly parents takes a lot of time and effort. But you aren’t a superhero. You need time to rest and recuperate, to go out and enjoy yourself every once in a while.
Ask a friend or family member to give you a hand every once in a while. If you’re struggling to find anyone to assist you, consider hiring outside help.
Get More Health Tips for Living With Elderly Parents
With a little extra attention and a whole lot of love, it shouldn’t be too difficult for you and your elderly parents to enjoy living safely and happily together.
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