Help Your Parents Stay Happy And Healthy
As you get older, so do your parents. It is important you let them know that you will always be there to support them. If they were great, lovely, and helpful parents when you were growing up, they only deserve the same treatment from you when they are unable to fully look after themselves. Check out the article below to find out how you can help your parents stay happy and healthy in their old age.
A Roof Over Their Head
With the price of everything going up, elderly people with only a pension are struggling to keep a roof over their head. Plenty of elderly folk are now moving back in with their children to be able to afford the bills. This can be extremely useful if you have the space available as they can help you out around the house or with childcare duties. You might have spoken to your parents about moving in with you, even potentially building their own annex in your garden.
Warmth
With winter fast approaching you need to make sure that they are warm and cozy at home. Energy prices have soared recently so a lot are reluctant to switch the heating on, the issue is elderly people don’t have strong enough immune systems to fight off all illnesses. Living in a cold house or cold environment can cause people to become incredibly ill, and that is the last thing you want for your parents. Suggest places for them to go that is warm throughout the day so they don’t have to use their own heating. Let them know that your door is always open and you will gladly put the heating on for them.
Extra Care
Do your parents have pre-existing conditions or newly diagnosed conditions that require around the clock care? Children aren’t always able to offer this type of care due to working and looking after their own kids. However, there are options that you can look at together. It doesn’t always have to feel like you are trying to palm your parents off into care. If they are desperately trying to stay in their own home, with all their creature comforts then how about live in care. Carers will come and stay with you for however long you need, just make sure that it fits into any budget you have.
Socialisation
Finally, socialization is very important for seniors. It is thought that those who go out and see their friends at least three times a week are far less likely to develop cognitive conditions such as Alzeihmers or dementia. Encourage your parents to meet their friends, even just for a coffee or shopping trip. You could also sign them up to day sessions at their local community centre, this is great as they will also get a hot meal for lunch or dinner.
Hopefully you found this article helpful and that it gave you some useful ideas on how you can assist your parents. They might be too proud to ask for your help so it is essential you stay vigilant for any difficulties they might run into with their health and wellbeing.