5 ways to take good care of elderly parents

We tend to get quite busy in the humdrum of everyday living, tending to unintentionally forget that our parents are getting old and they need more time and care from us. We have to deal with our worries, without forgetting that it is our responsibility to take care of our elderly parents. In fact, it is a bit of a balancing act in which we have to run our lives as smoothly as possible, even as we look after our old parents.

In such a scenario, it becomes important to focus on how we can ensure a good life for them.

Here are five ways that we can take good care of our elderly parents.

1. Provide emotional support

Our parents need more and more emotional support as they age. Stress can be caused due to ageing and providing emotional support provides succour. A simple act of patiently listening to the elderly and providing them constant encouragement can be helpful. Many a times the grievance may be repetitive, but lending an ear goes a long way towards providing them support that they need.

2. Health management

Managing health related issues become a key concern in old age. There may be medicines related to high blood pressure, diabetes or other diseases that an elderly must regularly take to ensure that things remain under control. Even forgetting one dose can cause health complications. The first is to get regular health check-ups done for your parents. The second is to ensure that they take the medicines on time, which means it may involve gently reminding them that it is time to take their medication.

3. Healthy living

Our parents must be encouraged to follow a healthy lifestyle. Simple things like going for a regular walk, eating nutritious food and following regular sleeping habit can be quite useful. They can be discouraged from excessive smoking and drinking. Those suffering from obesity can be encouraged to take up exercising regularly in consultation with a doctor. Even small steps towards a more healthier lifestyle can be beneficial in the long run.

4. Safety measures at home

When one grows old, the possibility of suffering a fall at home increases. As a child, one can get some fitments done at home to reduces the chances of a fall. Grab bars in the bathroom are a great idea. Putting a thick carpet next to the bedside can be helpful. The elderly should get up slowly from their bed. Also, adequate lighting across all parts of the home will ensure that the elderly can see properly.

5. Socialising with friends

The elderly parents can be requested to go out and meet their friends and acquaintances. Some take up voluntary social work. Others volunteer in their housing societies where there are a large number of tasks that can be performed. Visiting regular get-togethers are also beneficial, since they can talk to their hearts content.

As a son or daughter, we need to take the first steps to ensure that our parents have a healthier and better managed old age. These five tips will be helpful in gradually turning around the lives of our parents.

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