Did you know at some point, around 17 percent of adult children will provide care for their aging parents? If you want to learn how to care for seniors, we can help.

In this guide, we’ll go over what you need to know about senior care. You’ll learn how to care for your aging parents.

Want to learn more? Keep reading.

1. What Are Your Parents Needs?

Adult children often feel overwhelmed at the idea of caring for their parents.

First, think about what areas your parents need support. Think about their home safety, cognitive health, and medical needs. Are there other relatives willing to pitch in and help?

Do your parents need help with meals? How is their mobility? You’ll also want to assess their social situation. Do they live alone? Isolation can impact a person’s mental and physical health.

Determine how much support they get in these different areas of life. How much extra help will they need to remain healthy and safe at home? Record this in a journal or your notes app.

Sometimes, aging parents manage well, but they are pretty isolated in a rural area. If you live across the other side of the country, you could simplify their retirement journey with independent living facilities. These facilities promote an active lifestyle, social engagement, and independence.

Or else, you can also consider an in-home caregiver. An in-home caregiver can provide meals and help track their medication needs.

2. What About Your Situation?

Do you live near your parents? If so, you could visit them when they need help. Some people choose to live with their parents or move their parents into their home. You might even start wondering ‘how do i apply to be a caregiver for a family member‘ as this could offer your parents full-time support, and you would become qualified to care for them. For people with a lot of free time, or who care deeply about being the ones to support their parents, this option brings peace of mind.

3. Prevent Emotional Burnout

How is your relationship with your parents? Do you communicate well, or do you end up arguing most of the time?

Think about if you can provide the care they need and if you’re willing to learn more about how to help them.

Suppose you can’t provide the proper care. You will still be a supportive child if you look out for their health by arranging help.

You don’t want to end up in a situation that isn’t sustainable. Otherwise, you will get burnt out, emotionally and physically.

4. Don’t Exclude Your Parent

Aging people don’t want to lose control of their life.

Involve your aging parents during the planning process. This way, your parents will see you as a partner instead of a controlling son or daughter.

5. What About an Independent Living Facility?

If you aren’t able to care for their needs, consider discussing some other options with them. If your aging parent has some needs, you could suggest an independent living facility.

Your parents still will feel independent yet have access to helpful resources.

Now You Know More About Caring for Aging Parents

We hope this guide on how to care for seniors was helpful. If you have aging parents, sit down with them and talk about their situation. 

Are you looking for more life tips? Check out our sections on health and fitness.