With more members of the Baby Boomer generation gradually creeping toward retirement age, many families are faced with the reality of taking care of elderly parents, and all that it entails. Whether your parents are living in your home or close by and just need a little checking in on, you can do certain things that will give them and yourself a little peace of mind.
Step 1
Evaluate your family member's situation and needs. Determine what kind of care--frequent visits, in-home care, moving in with you--most effectively addresses their specific challenges.
Step 2
Help ease the burden of as many daily tasks as possible by preparing meals ahead of time, rearranging furniture in the house to make getting around easier and installing safety features, such as hand rails and modified toilet seats around the home. Lower the sinks and counters in the bathroom and kitchen, if necessary.
Step 3
Talk with your family member's doctor about the amount and types of medication he should be taking on a regular basis. Follow up with your family member to make sure he is taking the medication, or administer the medicine yourself. Put medication in a lock box if your family member has memory problems that cause him to take too much or too frequently.
Step 4
Help your elderly family member perform any tasks that require physical exertion, such as taking out the trash, moving furniture or even bathing himself.
Step 5
Talk to your family member about important health- and finance-related decisions pertaining to death or permanent disability, such as having a will, medical requests and power of attorney.
Step 6
Pay attention to warning signs that your family member is having trouble taking care of himself, such as unkempt hair or clothing, weight loss, burns or cuts.
Step 7
Respect your family member's need for independence by finding things they can safely do on their own, such as simple household cleaning tasks.
Step 8
Introduce major changes to your family member's life gradually, such as having him come stay with you for a few days at a time rather than full-time all at once.
Tips and Warnings
- Taking care of an elderly family member requires a tremendous amount of sacrifice, so be sure to take some time for yourself. Ask other family members to pitch in and give you a break from time to time.
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