Taking care of an elderly parent at home is a challenging but rewarding endeavor for many children. For others, the time, responsibilities and emotions involved can be overwhelming. Caring for an elderly father at home also offers special challenges to many adult children and can make the care giving process more difficult. Men unwilling to relinquish their independence or feelings of shame and helplessness often add to already tenuous situations.
Step 1
Create a space for your father that is his alone. Give him his own bedroom with his own belongings and furniture if you have the room. Covert the garage to his own living space, or consider revamping the basement into a senior apartment. Surrounding your father with familiar objects may help ease the transition from moving from his own space into yours.
Step 2
Adapt the environment for your father's overall safety. For example, install grab bars in the bathroom bath or shower and toilet area. Apply non-skid strips to tile floor near sinks and in front of the shower or bath. Make sure furniture is situated for easier navigation and that loose rugs are firmly attached to the floor. Place items used on a daily basis within easy reach. If his bed or chair has rollers, make sure they're locked in place to reduce slips and falls.
Step 3
Protect your elderly father from unsafe items or environments if he's been diagnosed with any form of dementia or Alzheimer's. Unplug the microwave when it isn't in use and if necessary, remove knobs from stoves or ovens. Place medications in a locked drawer, and follow suit with sharp kitchen utensils. Place nightlights in the bedroom, hallway and route to the bathroom or kitchen to reduce fall risks. Place latches on cupboards and drawers you don't want your elderly father getting into, especially if he has a form of dementia.
Step 4
Give your father something to do, depending on physical ability and cognition levels. Men like to feel needed, so ask him to help fold laundry, help watch the kids or assist with other light household chores. Ask for the advice about something, whether you really need it or not. Make him feel part of family time and games, and give him something to do that will help him feel more needed and useful.
Step 5
Dispense medications on time according to instructions provided by your father's doctor. Know and understand the medications he may be on, what they do and how they work. Always keep adequate medications on hand so you don't run out.
