If we are fortunate enough, we are able to say that our elderly parents or relatives are still with us. Thanks to advances in medicine and technology, we are able to provide the elderly with better care so that they get to live longer than their own parents and grandparents did. On the other hand, old age brings many challenges for the elderly as well as for their family members, and financial troubles aren’t rare. If you’re looking for sound advice on how to take financial and emotional care of your ageing parents, you’ve come to the right place.
Be present
If you ask the elderly what it is that they miss the most in life, they’ll probably tell you that they miss the company of others. It’s sad that senior citizens have very few chances for socializing, and if their children and grandchildren live far away, they miss the rest of their family too. You can try to be present more and to include your parents in the life of your family. Try to have meals together more often, schedule a board game night with your siblings and your children, and if that’s not an option, schedule a Skype talk with them
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Keep an open mind
When you start taking care of your ageing parents, sooner or later you’ll realize that this is pretty much a full-time commitment. People who have jobs and families of their own find it difficult to balance everything and soon start feeling the pressure. This is the reason why you should think about nearby retirement homes and discuss this possibility with the rest of your family. Not only will your parents be able to live there, but they’ll also get specialized and professional care, and be able to socialize with other senior citizens.
Be patient
Taking care of the elderly is challenging, especially if you’re family because they still feel like they should be the one in charge. Elderly parents have a hard time handing over control to their own children, and this can be a source of frustration on your part. What is more, when they have serious health issues (diabetes,dementia etc),can get even more difficult. During these times, you should simply remind yourself of all those times your parents had the patience for you, your concerns, your fears and your stories, and try to return the favour.
Take care of legal Documentation
Time waits for no one, and your parents are going to face the fact that the older they get, the less capable they’ll be to take care of themselves. This also means that important tasks won’t be taken care of, finances included, which is why you should take care of these things. You should be legally allowed to make big and important decisions in their stead, especially those concerning their finances as well as their health. When talking to your parents, see if they can create a document which will authorize you to act on the behalf of your parents.
When things get tough, and they probably will at some point, you just have to remind yourself that your ageing parents have been very patient with you when you were growing up, and now it’s time to return the favour. You get to be the provider at this point – providing emotional and financial support so they can spend their golden years in peace.