Things to Consider When caring for your elderly parents
Talk with your parents and their doctor
If there is any health concerns to worry about, they can explain any specific needs and care required for them.
Understand your parents’ needs
If your parents have any specific health issues to deal with, take the time to research these conditions. It helps to know and understand the issues when helping your parents deal with the situation.
Talk to your parents
Talk to your parents about your concerns. Sometimes, a conversation alone will release a lot of pressure from the situation. Understand what their desires and expectations are and consider these when helping them through this situation. Ask them to provide you with a list of all the professionals that help them with their medical, financial and any other matters in order to help them address these aspects of their life.
Talk to others
When worrying about something, many people tend to shut themselves away everyone else around them. Make sure you reach out to others like your siblings, family members, friends and neighbours. You’d be pleasantly surprised to find that others are as concerned as you are and willing to be there to give emotional support to you and your parents.
Seek support groups
There will be a number of organisations and community groups who can assist the elderly and their family. Having a strong support group for your parents will lessen the pressure of dealing with the situation.
Consider getting help
Elderly people may need help with simple things like shopping, cleaning and monitoring of medication. If you or any other family members are not able to help, consider professional assistance.
Assess the options
Understand the long term options available for consideration, such as staying with family, hired help at home, aged care and retirement homes.
Your parents may not require this assistance now but the need for care can emerge gradually. It helps to be prepared and aware of the options so that you can come to an agreement together with how to handle any future situations.
Consider Outsourcing Aged Care Placement
Understanding Aged Care and the various options and fees can be both overwhelming and time consuming. Outsourcing this to an expert may be the best alternative for either yourself and/or your family. Aged Care Placement services, such as the one highlighted in our “Helpful Resources” below can assist families to find appropriate aged care based on individual needs and preferences.
Attend to legal matters
Talk to your parents about legal matters such as wills and health care directions. You may wish to consult with their solicitor to assist your parents with preparing these documents. This will ensure that your parents’ wishes are followed where they may not be able to communicate for themselves.
Some helpful resources
Aged Care Placement Services business was developed in order to assist families to find a placement for their loved one that is based on their individual needs and preferences. Mary’s experience within Aged Care facilities has given her unique insight into the needs of residents, and it is apparent that she is passionate about appropriate aged care placements and residents’ welfare.
MyAgedCare is the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing’s premier online source of information for everything you need to know about aged care. This site provides essential information to help make decisions about aged care for your parents and the rest of your family.
The Carers Association in each state provides carers with information and referrals to services that help and support you in a caring role.
Depression in older people is common and may occur for many reasons. Beyond Blue is an organisation working to address issues associated with depression. This site will provide you with some insightful information to understand if your parents or you might be going through depression and how to deal with it.
Ageing parents and options in care is a handbook to assist you in making decisions for your parents at this challenging time. The book will assist you to understand the different living options to consider for your parents.
Ageing parents and options in care by Hillary Abrams
Call us on 9548 5933 for an appointment to discuss how we can help you help your parents.
