Showing all posts tagged family

In Family Time, Self-Care

Parents Age: Things You Need To Remember

Author Nicki CawoodPosted on
Parents Age: Things You Need To Remember

Everybody gets older. It’s inevitable, and yet it’s something that many of us don’t want to face – especially when it comes to our parents. As much as you may want to bury your head in the sand about this, there are things you need to remember as your parents age. They are as follows:

As Your Parents Age, They Can Get Pretty Lonely

Older parents tend to get pretty lonely. However, many of them are also too proud to say anything. It can be more difficult for them to get around, and they likely see their friends less because they are having the same problem. They can get especially lonely if they no longer have their other half. Make sure you plan regular visits. See if there is anything you can do to help them see their friends more, too, such as giving them a ride to their place or taking them to a coffee and cake morning. They will appreciate it!

Their Health Can Deteriorate Quickly

Their senses, including eyesight and hearing, can take a nosedive pretty quickly. It’s important to keep an eye on these issues, especially when it comes to problems like cataracts. Eye specialists like Eye Surgery Scotland can help to restore their vision but this means that we’ve got to do our best to help them through these difficult times. They may even be too proud to admit that there is a problem! But having regular check-ups is is essential if they’re not doing this already. It’s surprising how quickly someone’s health can deteriorate!

As Your Parents Age Their Needs May Change

Everyone’s needs will change at certain points in life. Pay attention to your parents so you can assess when their needs have changed. They might need help in their home to do the things they are used to, such as make food and get dressed. A place like Senior Life can give you more information on this. Make sure you pay close attention and speak with them about what they could use to make their lives easier and more enjoyable. It’s all about making sure they keep a high quality of life.

Home care services are often preferable to seniors who may want to stay in their own home. So, it’s important to educate yourself on what is available, as well as making sure your parents have an understanding of what they want and what is best for their overall wellbeing.

They Might Make A Few Confessions

It isn’t unusual for older parents to make a few confessions. The key to these kinds of conversations is knowing what not to say. You shouldn’t be judgemental or shut them down. Try to be as understanding as possible. They might tell you more, they might not. Try to see if you can work out where this new confession has come from. Are they feeling lonely? Guilty?

Help Family To Get Everything In Order As Your Parents Age

Making sure your parents have everything in order, such as their estate and their will can take a load off their minds. It’ll make your life easier too. Don’t think of this as morbid. Sorting wills, pensions and everything else simply make things less complicated down the road as your parents age.

Remember that there are some great sources of advice and support that you and your parents can access which will help with all aspects of aging.

In Health and Exercise

When Someone Older Might Need a Little Help

Author Nicki CawoodPosted on
When Someone Older Might Need a Little Help

None of us are getting any younger, and if you’re still fortunate enough to have your parents around, neither are they or any other older family or friends. There will come a time when they might struggle to take care of themselves, perhaps because of the natural decline of their bodies and senses, or because they start to show signs of particular health problems. Thankfully my parents are as spry as ever but my very early working years was spend in geriatrics and therefore I know that there comes a time when we all might need a little help.

If you have someone in your life approaching golden years you need to be alert to any issues for their care and safety, as despite their best interests, they might be too proud to ask you for a little help.

These are some of the signs you need to look out for.

#1: Signs of Forgetfulness

Many of us start to get forgetful with age. It’s a natural decline in our cognitive abilities, and while there are ways to reduce this ageing effect, such as by engaging our brains on a regular basis, we might still start to have problems at some point in our lives. So, be on the lookout for signs of memory loss. They might have trouble remembering simple things, such as the names of your children. And you might realise that they have forgotten to take their medications. In the worst-case scenario, it could be that your parents or others you might be responsible for are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, so check on the signs and symptoms within the linked article, and speak to your their GP/someone suitable for more advice on how to help them. For general memory loss, you might also set up alarms and reminders on their phone to help them remember important dates and things they need to do. It might just be that they need a little help with certain things.

#2: Signs of Depression

Depression does not discriminate and strikes all ages. It can be common amongst elderly people living alone, as it is usually symptomatic of loneliness. You can spot this when talking to your parent or other loved one. Other signs include a messy house or weight loss, as they might be less inclined to clean and eat as a consequence of how they are feeling. Help them by finding social activities in your local area, or visit them more often. You might also consider inviting them to stay with you if you have room in your house. And if you don’t have a lot of space, you could acquire the services of granny flat builders to provide extra accommodation on the grounds of your property. Again, speak to your parent’s GP for further advice if you feel someone close to you might need a little help.

#3: Signs of Mobility Issues

Mobility can become an issue for many of us as we get older, as our bones and muscles start to weaken with age. This might be true for your parents or indeed anyone, so be on the lookout for any signs that they might need extra help. If you notice any bruising on their body, it might be because they have fallen. If they start to breathe heavily when walking, it might be because they are in pain. And if you see them struggle with steps or stairs, or if they are regularly in need of something to hold onto when walking, then they are obviously struggling. These are just a few things to look out for.

Thankfully, there are some easy ways to help them. By buying them a walking aid, they will have less trouble with balance. By modifying their home, you can also make life easier for them. Still, speak to your parent’s or loved one’s GP, as they might also need specialist help, especially if they are suffering from any degenerative bone diseases or any other issue that might affect their balance and mobility. 

I hope this article was useful but let me know what you think. If you have any other advice for me readers based on your experiences, be sure to let me know. 

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