Aging parents often need help with daily activities, managing their money and sometimes simply staying safe. Though it's difficult to suddenly switch from the role of child to the role of caregiver for an elderly parent, there's also a lot of satisfaction that can be gained in making sure your parent is cared for. Staying organized is extremely helpful, as now you're tasked with caring for your own family and household, plus your parent.
Step 1
Make arrangements for food and meals. Cooking a meal can be stressful and even dangerous for an elderly parent. To ensure your parent is eating nutritious meals, make arrangements for someone to cook for your parent. Or, arrange for food to be delivered; maybe you can make a stash of sandwiches for lunch and meals that can be easily microwaved for dinner. Have on hand a lot of simple foods, like cereal and milk, granola bars or microwaveable dinners.
Step 2
Organize your parent's finances, and have bills paid automatically. It's likely that your elderly parent will need some help managing money. Try to take over paying the bills so that you're sure they're taken care of, and consider limiting your parent's access to large amounts of money. To save your own time and energy, put your parent's bills on automatic payment at his bank so that they're paid on time every month, without worry.
Step 3
Set a schedule of visits and activities. Part of your responsibilities as caregiver including checking on your parent regularly. He'll also appreciate a regular schedule of visits to look forward to and expect. Maybe you stop by every other day after work and visit on weekends. Arrange for your parent to visit a senior center a day or two a week, or have a volunteer or paid caretaker come by as well.
Step 4
Communicate often and respectfully. Just because your parent needs more help doesn't mean he's not still your parent. Keep your parent involved in making decisions when you can. Ask how he's doing and feeling, and if he's lonely or bored. Ask what you can do to help, and what things he can do that will make him happier.
Step 5
Pay attention to safety concerns. Your parent may say that he's fine living by himself, but you may notice signs that indicate otherwise. Look for signs of weight loss, injuries, lack of personal hygiene, weight loss or depression. These are signs that your parent may need more help and supervision.
Step 6
Seek help when you need it, and make time for yourself. You're not the only one who can care for your parent. Enlist the help of your siblings and other family members to pitch in and visit, cook a meal or drive your parent to a doctor's appointment. You can quickly get burned out from caregiver stress. Remember to take time for yourself, to relax, to do things you enjoy and spend time when you're not thinking about your caregiver responsibilities.
