One of the hardest things in life is seeing a parent age and start to struggle with their daily activities, particularly if this parent is alone. As their daughter, you will want to do everything that you can to look after them as they looked after you growing up. Of course, this is difficult when you have your own life to live and kids to bring up, so what can you do in this situation? There are a few helpful tips for those that find themselves in this situation, which will hopefully allow your parent to have a high quality of life, for you to provide support and still be able to enjoy your own life.
Communicate With Them
It can be a sensitive topic to bring up, but communication is absolutely the most important step to take when a parent starts to lose their independence. You need to discuss this with them and carefully listen to what they have to say – it is hard to admit that you are struggling, and simply discussing the situation could help them to feel much better.
Develop a Support Network
It is helpful if you are able to develop a support network for your parent so that you can all work together to help out and to keep an eye on them – this is particularly important as a parent yourself as you can’t always be there. Other siblings and family members, family friends, neighbours, and even the postman can all be helpful in this situation, and you should communicate regularly to stay on top of the situation.
Identify the Key Problems
It is important to work out exactly what your parent is struggling with and then find ways to solve these issues. They may be able to tell you what they are struggling with, or you might be able to notice yourself, such as if the fridge is always empty or filled with out of date products. In this situation, a solution might be arranging to take them shopping once a week or getting their food delivered.
Consider Independent Living Communities
Independent living communities are often the best solution in this situation. In addition to receiving care and support, these communities can often provide a new lease of life as they can include socialisation and daily activities. There are also different options to help those in different situations, whether they need assisted living, memory care, or long-term care.
Attend Appointments With Them
You will also find that it is helpful to attend any appointments that they have. This is so that you can keep on top of their health, speak to the doctor, see what you can be doing to help, and provide moral support.
It is difficult and upsetting to see your parents start to age and lose independence. Hopefully, these tips will come in helpful, and allow you to support your parent, give them a good quality of life and still be able to lead your own happy lifestyle.
One of the hardest things in life is seeing a parent age and start to struggle with their daily activities, particularly if this parent is alone. As their daughter, you will want to do everything that you can to look after them as they looked after you growing up. Of course, this is difficult when you have your own life to live and kids to bring up, so what can you do in this situation? There are a few helpful tips for those that find themselves in this situation, which will hopefully allow your parent to have a high quality of life, for you to provide support and still be able to enjoy your own life.
Communicate With Them
It can be a sensitive topic to bring up, but communication is absolutely the most important step to take when a parent starts to lose their independence. You need to discuss this with them and carefully listen to what they have to say – it is hard to admit that you are struggling, and simply discussing the situation could help them to feel much better.
Develop a Support Network
It is helpful if you are able to develop a support network for your parent so that you can all work together to help out and to keep an eye on them – this is particularly important as a parent yourself as you can’t always be there. Other siblings and family members, family friends, neighbours, and even the postman can all be helpful in this situation, and you should communicate regularly to stay on top of the situation.
Identify the Key Problems
It is important to work out exactly what your parent is struggling with and then find ways to solve these issues. They may be able to tell you what they are struggling with, or you might be able to notice yourself, such as if the fridge is always empty or filled with out of date products. In this situation, a solution might be arranging to take them shopping once a week or getting their food delivered.
Consider Independent Living Communities
Independent living communities are often the best solution in this situation. In addition to receiving care and support, these communities can often provide a new lease of life as they can include socialisation and daily activities. There are also different options to help those in different situations, whether they need assisted living, memory care, or long-term care.
Attend Appointments With Them
You will also find that it is helpful to attend any appointments that they have. This is so that you can keep on top of their health, speak to the doctor, see what you can be doing to help, and provide moral support.
It is difficult and upsetting to see your parents start to age and lose independence. Hopefully, these tips will come in helpful, and allow you to support your parent, give them a good quality of life and still be able to lead your own happy lifestyle.
