Old age can be one of the most challenging times of someone's life. It is a period marked by decline, loss and tough choices. It affects not only the aging individual, but also those around him, especially adult children. People with elderly parents should educate themselves and look into things that can make this challenging time easier on themselves and their aging parents.
Mental Condition
Many people have a difficult time adjusting to the challenges that come with old age. Less independence, losing loved ones and forgetfulness can bring about sadness, frustration and even anger. While age-related sadness is normal to some extent, specific warning signs can mark the onset of depression in an elderly person. Children who see an elderly parent display severe mood swings, become increasingly reclusive, have sleep problems or experience changes in appetite should alert a doctor.
Physical Condition
One of the most difficult aspects of aging is physical decline. Elderly parents who have taken care of their children must now rely on them for many of their personal needs. Old age can bring about decreased muscle strength, slower reflexes, vision loss and difficulty with concentration and comprehension. The elderly may also have a range of medical conditions such as arthritis, cataracts, Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis. As a result, many elderly people have trouble doing everyday tasks such as driving, opening jars, lifting heavy objects, understanding complex paperwork or walking distances. Purchasing products such as walkers, motorized wheelchairs, large-print books and easy-to-open medications can help some elderly parents feel more independent.
Living Arrangements
When making decisions about living arrangements, adult children should take the age, mental condition and physical abilities of their elderly parents into account. Many elderly people prefer to remain in their own homes. But children who feel that it has become too difficult for an elderly parent to manage on his own should discuss ways that the parent can stay at home or a possible move into an assisted-living situation. One option is enlisting the help of an in-home-care provider. These providers visit the elderly and provide services such as bathing, cooking and doing light laundry. Many communities also provide services such as Hot Meals, which delivers low-cost meals to the homes of the elderly.
Caregivers
Although assisted-living communities and in-home-care services are great options for children with elderly parents, they can also be costly. Those who cannot afford such services often have no choice but to care for their elderly parents alone. These adult children can become overwhelmed and often begin to decline physically and mentally themselves. Less expensive means of help, such as adult day care, can provide caregivers with temporary relief and allow them to tend to their own needs.
Legal Issues
It is important for those with elderly parents to ensure that legal issues are in order. Do this sooner, rather than later, because a decline in mental condition may make a parent unable to give his consent. An adult child should ask his parent for a power of attorney, which will allow him to pay the bills and take care of other financial matters if the parent is hospitalized. Children should also talk to their elderly parents about their end-of-life wishes. A living will may be in order. Getting the legal affairs in order will make things much easier in the event of a medical emergency.
