Caring for two aging parents can be quite the challenge, but that doesn’t mean you need to put your own life on the back burner. With a little bit of foresight and some hard work, you can provide both your parents with high-quality care while preserving your own health. Here are a few tips to help you take care of your two aging parents in the coming years.
Discuss Finances Early On
Even if you’re getting financial support from multiple organizations and programs, taking care of multiple seniors can be expensive. While your parents are still lucid, you need to have a long talk with them about finances. Discuss a variety of important subjects, including which expenses they can cover and how much savings they have. You’ll also need to speak with them about their wills and estate. Discussing those topics is never going to be easy, but the conversation must take place well before any major injuries or illnesses occur.
Try to Give Them Plenty of Space
Your parents are probably used to having quite a bit of space to themselves, so if they’re coming to live with you, moving into a multigenerational home might be a shock. At the very least, try to set aside a corner of the home where they can relax on their own and spend time with one another. You can also turn a small portion of your home into an in-law suite with a few basic amenities such as some cooking appliances and a restroom.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional in-home care. Edmonton, AB, families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Speak with Them Individually
Almost every older adult is going to develop at least a few serious health issues over the years. At some point, you must sit down with your parents and discuss what type of assistance they’re going to need. Instead of bringing that topic up while you’re all together, consider speaking with each of them privately. Even though they might have been a couple for multiple years or decades, it’s important that they each have the opportunity to express their concerns in a private setting.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful resource for overwhelmed family caregivers and their loved ones. When researching agencies that provide elder care, Edmonton families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Home Care Assistance.
Learn to Delegate
Looking after two older adults is going to take up a lot of your time, and you must learn to delegate. If you have any siblings or family members in your town, reach out to them for assistance. Getting a few hours to yourself every week could have a huge impact on your mental and emotional health. For family members who don’t live nearby, suggest calling a few times a month so your parents can socialize with people they don’t live with. At some point, you might want to consider working with a professional caregiver as well.
For some families, caring for senior loved ones can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional respite care. Edmonton, AB, Home Care Assistance is a trusted name in respite and hourly care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break. Home Care Assistance will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call us today at (780) 490-7337 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.