Isn’t it interesting how most parents spend most of their time taking care of their children only to end up sad and lonely in their old age? Taking care of your parents in their old age is a satisfying and fulfilling task. You should, however, be patient and committed to making your seniors happy. You should apply some of the techniques discussed below to give your aging parents the best care.
Talk to Them About Existing Financial Scams
Seniors and older people are the most vulnerable to scams. Losing money to scammers in old age can affect your aging parents significantly. Besides decreasing their quality of life, scams can also affect their physical and mental health. It would be best to talk to them about financial scams and how to stay safe from scammers. Your parents should be aware of the most popular scams such as:
- Health Insurance scams
- False health claims
- Internet fraud
- Funeral and cemetery fraud
- Anti-aging items
- Telemarketing scams
- Investment scheme fraud
- Mortgage and homeownership scams
- Needy senior’s vulnerability scams
- Lottery scams
Besides understanding most scams, you should also teach your aging parents the importance of keeping their personal info confidential. They should never disclose their social security numbers and bank details, among others. They should always consult you anytime they need help and run errands rather than go out by themselves or seek strangers’ help. Helping to keep your parents finances secure and organized will be extra important as they age.
Address Safety Concerns
Seniors are more susceptible to accidents as well. They have higher risks of burning themselves, poisoning, and falling off the stairs. As your parents get older, you should teach them the importance of their safety and how to stay safe at all times. Do what you can to make sure their home is a safe place as well.
Hiring reputable home care services is the most effective option for maintaining safety when unavailable. The services may include both medical and non-medical care, including showering and helping with laundry. Other safety measures that you should implement include:
- Installation of carbon monoxide detectors
- Labeling of all medications
- Investing in medication blisters to prevent confusion
- Minimizing cleaning supplies available in the home
Prepare for Emergencies
Tomorrow brings about unplanned events that require timely preparation. With an aging parent in the home, you may never know what emergency awaits you after work or an errand. It is advisable to prepare for most emergencies besides natural calamities like:
- Flood
- Earthquakes
- Tornadoes
- Lockdowns
- Hurricanes
- Inaccessibility to medical care
You should always ask yourself, what if any of the above happened? Your parents’ needs should always be met regardless of the ongoing circumstances. What if your parents fall and they cannot reach the phone?
Besides the above, you should also prepare on how to accommodate your aging parents’ changing needs. Talking to them about the aging phase, the importance of staying fit, and maintaining their social circles is also beneficial. Giving your seniors great care in their old age is a communal role that involves you, them, and anyone close by.
