According to AARP, one in five caregivers of elderly parents reports experiencing stress. Caregivers may lack training to care for elderly parents or experience frustration dealing with social service and health-care agencies. Many caregivers have little to no knowledge of community resources that are available to help them, and others report being too busy to deal with their stress. Ideally, caregivers should have time to make a plan; however, if a parent is already living with you, take measures to ease everyone's adjustment and relieve stress.
Step 1
Talk to your parent. Explain the rules of your home and ask for cooperation. Ask about your parent's needs and preferences. Discuss finances with your parent, and with family members, and let everyone know if you need financial help to care for your parent.
Step 2
Make your home safe for your elderly parent. Check for cords in walkways, sharp furniture edges and bathroom safety concerns. Remove small rugs that can cause falls, and remind your parent how to respond in emergencies. Encourage your parent to function as independently as possible.
Step 3
Talk to family members about pitching in to help. Ask your sister or brother to take your parent for one evening each week or maybe for a weekend. If family is not nearby, ask them to take your parent for the summer or while you have a family vacation. If necessary, develop a schedule for which family members will help out and when.
Step 4
Make a list of community resources or locate a senior resource guide. Find a respite care provider in case family cannot help out. Ask about in-home health aides, volunteers, senior daycare and other resources available to help care for your parent. Help your parent maintain an active life by being involved in senior activities outside of your home.
Step 5
Minimize chaos and uncertainty by organizing and planning. Compile all of your parent's medical and other information in one place, and keep a record of doctors, medications and financial information. Enter important dates and appointments on a calendar.
Step 6
Take care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat healthy meals, get out and socialize with friends, spend time alone with family members and take care of your physical and mental health. Find a friend, a caregiver support group or a professional counselor if you feel overwhelmed. Pay attention to your needs and your stress level, and ask for help or take a break when necessary.
Tips and Warnings
- Make parents feel like part of the family--that your home is also their home. Give them ways to help out around the house and include them in some family events or discussions.
Things You'll Need
- File folders
- File box
- Paper
- Pencils
