How to Help Elderly Parents Not to Worry

As your parents get older, they are often less able to care for themselves. Elderly parents may not have the same energy they once had. They may worry more about their health and how they will get around. You may need to take care of them. In some cases, you may have to place them into a senior citizen home so they can receive care full time. You can assuage your parents' fears by routinely checking up on them, letting them know you care and doing your best to maintain their quality of life.

Instructions

• 1

  Check your parents' home for any indicators they are having a hard time on their own. Look for any signs of neglected housework, such as an overgrown lawn or lights that aren't working. These things could indicate that your parents are struggling to maintain the household by themselves. Point out and take care of these things for them so they do not have to worry. Also consider any recent injuries they might have had, such as a fall down the stairs. Purchase a cane or another suitable mobility aid if they have problems walking. Install a mobility system that can help them climb the stairs, such as the IBot Mobility System. Make sure your parents are safe and sound at their home.

• 2

  Take notice to any significant weight loss in your parents. While this may not seem like a problem, weight loss in elderly people could be indicative of serious complications, such as cancer, dementia or even eventual heart failure. If your parents have lost a lot of weight, it could also mean that they may not have the energy to cook or prepare meals. If you notice a problem, offer to cook meals on the weekend and freeze them for your parents to consume during the week.

• 3

  Monitor your parents' moods. Check for signs of changing moods such as a reluctance to leave the home or lack of interest in their hobbies. These could indicate that they are not being truthful if they tell you they are fine. Try getting them to reveal what the problem really is. Convince your parents to seek medical help from a doctor or speak with a therapist if your efforts fail. There could be serious problems they are keeping from you so you do not worry about them. This could prove dangerous for them if they choose not to take action.

• 4

  Reassure your parents that they can talk to you about issues. Parents may feel that they are losing you as you get older and move out. They may worry that they will lose contact with you. Keep in touch with them regularly. Recommend they move into a senior citizen home or look for home health services if you feel they cannot live without assistance. Make sure to visit them as often as you can.