Taking care of aging parents can be complicated, and figuring out the best senior care solutions is unique to every situation, depending on your parent’s individual preferences and needs. Though there is not a specific step-by-step guide to help you navigate caring for your senior parents, there are some best practices that will help ensure that your parents are well cared for. Our team has put together a checklist for taking care of elderly parents to help you provide the best care possible for your loved ones. We hope that it helps you meet your parents’ needs during this time in their life.
Our Checklist for Caring for Elderly Parents
Share the Job of Caretaking with Other Family Members
Caring for a family member on your own can be physically, emotionally, and financially taxing. Delegation can make a world of difference in these situations. If possible, involve your siblings and other family members in a care plan for your elderly parent. This will lighten the burden for you, and allow your senior family member more variety in their socialization.
Get the Support of Trusted Professionals
Thankfully, there are many skilled professionals who are passionate about caring for seniors. Whether you are trying to care for your senior family member alone, or you have the support of other family members, hiring professionals will help you care for your loved one’s needs. Kind Senior Care provides modern, non-medical home care services to seniors in Middlesex and Essex counties, Massachusetts. Click here to learn how our team can develop a custom plan for your loved one and match them with a compatible caregiver.
Establish Boundaries
Boundaries are important in every area of life, but especially when it comes to caretaking of any kind. When somebody is dependent on you, it is easy to neglect your own needs in caring for that person. That is where boundaries come in. These are examples of boundaries that you should consider setting and adhering to:
- The amount of money you can afford to spend on your loved one’s care
- The amount of time that you can spend with your loved one
- Tasks that you are taking care of vs. tasks that your siblings or other loved ones are covering
Remember, if you do not establish and stick to boundaries while maintaining self-care, you will be less capable of giving your loved one your best level of care. Caring for yourself first will make you more able to meet your senior parent’s needs.
Consider Your Loved One’s Unique Challenges
Keep in mind that every senior faces different challenges and work that into their care plan. For example, if your parent suffers from Alzheimer’s or Dementia, consider finding professionals experienced in Alzheimer’s and Dementia care to care for your parent. No matter what your parent’s needs are, take them into account as you figure out their care plan.
Understand Your Parent’s Finances
If your parents are still able to discuss their finances, take some time to discuss the state of their affairs and their wishes. If this is not possible and if you have been assigned as your loved one’s agent, dive into their financial situation. Knowing their financial situation will help you understand the different possibilities for their care plan.
Looking for Senior Home Care in Middlesex or Essex Counties, MA?
Kind Senior Care is a compassionate and professional home care service in Massachusetts. We are proud to have been named the Best of Home Care Provider of Choice and would love to provide our high level of care to your loved one. Click here or call 978-242-7449 to learn more.
