Caring for Your Aging Parents
As time passes we age. A second leads to a minute to an hour then a day, a week, a year. It just continues on. We all age and there is absolutely nothing we can do about it, so one way or another we have to come to terms with our own mortality and that of our parents.
Those of us fortunate enough to have parents still living may find that we have them when they are much older and in physical and mental health that is declining, leaving us caring for them.
Having an aging parent in your care can make life interesting for friends and family. It can also make life difficult at times. This is especially true when it is unexpected, like when a parent has a massive stroke, breaks a hip, or is in an accident.
At times like this you need to know what you as a caregiver can do to get ready in case there is an emergency. Let's take a look at what information you need to have ready for any emergency involving your parent.
It's real easy to have this information at hand by printing it on a card and laminating it. That way it is there when you need it and can be updated at any time without much cost.
Of course, before your parent becomes ill you should have already worked with them to write down the birth dates, any major medical problems or allergies, any medications that they are taking, any prior surgeries, numbers of physicians and any specialist they see, any advanced directives, religious beliefs and lifestyle choices they may have made, and insurance information.
Being aware of this information will enable you to care for your aging parents when they need to see new doctors or are hospitalized or need emergency care. It is also a good idea to keep a bag packed just in case there is a hospitalization or emergency. It will definitely lower the stress should the need arise.
Some other things to consider when caring for aging parents are to be attentive to their independence. By being observant you will be able to tell if they are struggling and in need of help. If you watch how they are doing in their daily lives you will be able to offer help even if it is outside help that will allow them to be able to spend more time at home.
When it comes to making decisions you should make sure that all family members are involved. It is best to have a family conference so that everyone is together at the same time to go over the information. Just because your parents are older does not mean that they do not have a say, so if they are able to participate in the decision making process, then let them.
Everyone should agree with the decisions made to avoid stress later. When it comes to the time that a parent needs help and care, then the decisions concerning financial situations and where they will be is made and it will be easier for you to bear.
Whenever it is possible you should respect the wishes of your parents. A lot of times they want to continue living independently until it is impossible. Let them help to decide where they will be and what kind of outside help they would want or may need.