Parents shower their children with love, affection, and support and raise them to become stable and responsible adults. In turn, adult children reciprocate this love by taking care of them as they advance in age. They are there if their parents need help and check up on them frequently.
However, taking care of elderly parents can sometimes be tiring and feel like a chore, especially for adult children with busy work lives and multiple responsibilities. This can get harder during the holidays when traditions and activities are added to the picture. Here are some tips to ensure checking in on elderly parents feels less like a chore and more like a meaningful, valuable activity.
Create a Schedule
Siblings can share responsibility, and each can help care for their elderly parents. Creating a schedule to check in on elderly loved ones will help the adult children stay organized and ensure everyone is in touch with their parent's health and well-being. When everyone is chipping in, no one will feel overwhelmed or overburdened.
Don't Be Afraid To Ask for Help
Adult children should not shy away from seeking assistance to look after their elderly parents from other family members and friends. Something simple as inviting them over to help with small errands when checking on the elderly parents can boost and support the adult children.
Use Technology
Adult children can leverage technology to stay more connected with their elderly parents. For example, many apps and devices are available that can monitor seniors' vitals and medications and set reminders for necessary appointments and tasks. Video calling them when they cannot visit physically is a great alternative to keep in touch.
Make It Fun
Caring for elderly parents should not just be about dropping groceries and household supplies and helping them with chores. Adult children can make checking on their aging parents fun. Make time for conversations and laughter, and do something enjoyable. Include activities such as playing board games or going for walks. Doing these activities together can be fun and rewarding for both and helps build meaningful connections and forge stronger relationships.
Get Some "Me Time"
It can be difficult juggling caring for senior parents while maintaining one's life. Adult children should be honest with themselves and their parents about the time and energy they can devote. They should set time aside to take care of themselves, relax and recharge.
Hire a Caregiver
For adult children struggling to strike a balance between regularly checking on their senior parents and their personal life, enlisting the services of a professional caregiver is a great idea. The caregiver will offer the senior companionship, take them for walks, remind them to take their medicine, prepare their meals, get groceries, etc., making life for both the senior and adult child easier and more comfortable.
Talk To Senior Helpers of St. Louis for Professional In-home Senior Care Services
Need a helping hand taking care of elderly parents in Fenton, Ballwin, and Arnold? Senior Helpers St. Louis has professional and compassionate caregivers experienced in providing in-home care for seniors. Contact us today to see how we can help.