Improving Quality of Life for Aging Parents
14 December 2021
As time passes, it is an inevitability to see our loved ones get older and enter the later stages of life. This transition can be difficult for adult children, as they find themselves needing to care for and help their aging parents for the first time. It can be challenging to see previously independent and strong loved ones become increasingly vulnerable and dependent on other people during this period of time.
Elderly parents may not be able to do the things they used to in the past, a change that can be difficult to accept for everyone in the family. This loss of ability can apply to physical tasks and even decision-making skills they may have previously had. Helping aging loved ones through these changes is vital in helping them positively manage expectations and a strong quality of life.
Here at Rose’s Agency Home Care, we pride ourselves on helping families through this period of time. Our caregivers are experts in navigating the complexities that come with managing care for elderly parents as they transition to needing assistance in everyday life.
So how can family members and adult children help aging parents maintain a good quality of life through their twilight years? We wanted to share some tips on how to do exactly that. Keep reading to learn more!
Gain Important Skills & Patience
Staying socially connected is proven to be beneficial for aging seniors in many ways. For this reason, it can be very helpful when adult children help their elderly parents stay in touch with their family members and friends. In fact, seniors that are lonely and isolated tend to live shorter lives and have a higher risk for developing depression and dementia.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic made it harder for people to meet, by now we have come up with many creative ways to stay in touch with each other. Family members that help their elderly parents maintain strong social lives can significantly improve their well-being and quality of life.
This can be done by helping them set up a social calendar and planning regular check-ins and activities with loved ones. Seniors can also benefit greatly from technological assistance and virtual visits when in-person meetings may not be possible. Children can also encourage their aging parents to volunteer with local organizations and get involved with their community
Strengthen Physical & Mental Skills
As is true for all of us, maintaining our physical and mental capabilities is essential for the health of elderly parents. Encouraging and partaking in activities that help strengthen these skills is a great way for adult children to help boost their parent’s quality of life. For example, visiting loved ones and playing board games or chess can be both mentally and socially stimulating.
Seniors can also be encouraged to play puzzles and brain games on their own to help stimulate their minds and improve memory. Physical exercise is also important for wellness, and family members can help encourage walking, yoga, or other activities that get their aging parents moving on a regular basis. Doing so can bring both physical and mental benefits to an aging person.
Help Them Feel Loved
Aging can be mentally difficult for seniors, and they can often end up feeling like a burden to those around them. To help discourage this type of thinking, adult children can help make sure their parents feel loved and believe that they are valuable to those around them.
This can be done by incorporating them into daily tasks whenever possible, and reminding them how much value they bring to the lives of others. Keeping aging parents involved with daily tasks and activities can help them retain a sense of purpose in life.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many great ways in which adult children can help their aging parents maintain a great quality of life. Helping them maintain a strong social life can bring joy and connection to their daily life.
Additionally, helping them establish a consistent exercise regimen can improve both their physical and mental well-being. Finally, making sure they feel loved and valued is vital in helping elderly seniors avoid feeling like a burden in their twilight years.
For more questions about getting a loved one caregiver support, please contact us by clicking here.