Caring for Aging Parents? What Do You Do Now?

Caring for aging parents can be quite challenging. Where should you begin? Today, let's talk about what would happen if it became unsafe for them to live alone. How would you determine when that day comes?

Maybe it becomes unsafe when they become weak and are unstable when they are walking. Have you noticed them holding onto walls or furniture as they walk. Many elderly do not want to admit when they need a cane or walker. They look at this as an outward side that they are old. Well, let's admit it, they are. But, this is hard for them to accept much less to admit. A cane or walker tells everyone they see that they are less independent.

Walkers today can be quite trend setters. When caring for aging parents you will become more aware of what is available as you see what others are using. You might suggest a rolling walker with an attached seat. This is very useful when walking a longer distance than they can actually tolerate because it provides them a place to sit down instantly. The walkers also come with a basket in front or under the seat for storage so they can carry items with them. This eliminates the risk of falling when they try to carry things. Aging parents often give this reason as to not wanting to use a walker; therefore, the rolling walker with a seat and storage automatically gives a solution to that problem.

As you are caring for aging parents you should also include a health care professional with the ability to teach them how to properly use the walker or cane. A physical therapist can be utilized in an out patient setting or in the home for those who are homebound. The physical therapist will teach them proper body mechanics and safety issues to consider when using the cane or walker.

When caring for elderly parents you also need to consider if a decline in their memory is becoming a safety issue. Think of what could happen if mom is cooking, leaves the room and forgets about the frying pan she started to heat up to cook some eggs or fried chicken. If she already put grease in the pan, we have a real problem. Mom could fall asleep watching television and not wake up until the kitchen is on fire, smoke is bellowing throughout the house and the sirens are blaring up the street. At the very least, the best case scenario may be, she walks in to realize she left the pan on, grabs the handle and burns her hand. We don't want to think the worst, but in reality, this could really happen. How will you protect your aging parent from a situation like this?

Now is the time to plan ahead on what your solution will be when this time comes. Talk to your parents now to ask them what their wishes would be. Getting their input on what they desire will make this time of decisions much easier when you find yourself caring for elderly parents.