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Do your parents still live independently, even though they are beginning to show signs of advanced age? This is a critical time to provide them with care and love. As time goes on, the level of care you need to provide them with will become greater. But right now, you can employ the following tips.
1. Visit them often, and keep an eye on things.
Make it a point to visit your parents at least once a week. Not only will frequent visits from you keep them in good spirits, but your visits will also allow you to monitor their situation and how it is progressing. If you notice that chores are increasingly being left undone, your parents seem to be cooking less and less, or nobody is bringing in the mail, this could indicate that it's time to hire someone to come help care for your parents part-time. It's better to seek this help out early rather than wait for things to get worse.
2. Help them with medications.
Most older adults are on a few different medications. Each probably needs to be taken on a different schedule. With the complex instructions that accompany medications and the small print they are often written in, it can be tough for older adults to read and understand them. As such, you should periodically check that your parent is taking their medication on schedule. You can even help them fill a weekly pill dispenser so they're not forgetting to take certain pills.
3. Make changes to their home as needed.
If you find that your parents are struggling with certain aspects of their home's layout, help them make changes to the home. For instance, if they are having trouble getting up the front steps because there is no railing, have a railing put in. If they are struggling to stand long enough to take a shower, have a shower seat installed. This can help make your parents' daily lives easier, and it can also prevent accidents.
4. Go to doctors' appointments with them.
When possible, try to attend your parents' doctor's appointments with them. This way, you can hear first-hand what the doctors have to say about their health. The doctors can offer you guidance as to when your parents might need outside help such as a visiting nurse or to move into assisted living.
With the tips above, you can help keep your parents healthy and happy as they age.
To learn more, contact a resource that offers in-home elderly care.