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It can be overwhelming to navigate the challenges that come with supporting and caring for our loved ones as they age. With time, they become less capable and might need help in certain areas, some more than others.
Areas that seniors need help with the most include transportation, managing medications, home maintenance, finances, companionship, nutrition, personal care, and the use of technology.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common areas where seniors may need support and provide some ideas for how you can offer assistance.
1. Transportation
Seniors often find it difficult to drive or may no longer feel comfortable behind the wheel. This can make it challenging for them to run errands, attend appointments, and participate in social activities.
You can help by offering to drive them to appointments or errands or by coordinating with public transportation or ride-sharing services.
Common alternatives to driving for seniors include:
- Public transportation. Many cities and towns have public transportation systems that seniors can use to get around. Buses, trains, and subways are great examples of public transportation that can be a convenient and affordable option for seniors who are able to use it.
- Ride-sharing services. Services like Uber and Lyft allow seniors to request rides through a smartphone app. This can be a convenient option for seniors who don’t have access to public transportation or who need to travel short distances.
- Taxis. Many cities have taxi services that seniors will find useful. While this can be a more expensive option than public transportation, it can be a good choice for seniors who need more personalized transportation or who have mobility challenges.
- Family and friends. Seniors may be able to rely on family members or friends to provide transportation when needed. This can be a good option for short trips or infrequent travel, but it may not be a practical solution for more frequent or long-distance travel.
Not all seniors have the same transportation needs. When it comes to traveling, they can have a wide range of needs and preferences. It’s important to consider each person’s needs and preferences when providing transportation options.
2. Medications
Managing medications can be challenging for seniors, especially if they have difficulty remembering to take their medications or have trouble understanding their prescriptions. Fortunately, there are many strategies for simplifying the medication management process for seniors.
Using a Pill Organizer
Pill organizers are small containers with labeled compartments for each day of the week or each time of day. Seniors can fill the compartments with their medications and easily see which ones they need to take each time. They can also set alarms or use reminder apps on their phones to help them remember to take their medications.
The Sukuos Pill Organizer (available on Amazon.com) is one great option to help organize pills for seniors. It features two layers that offer double protection to ensure your medicine is safe.
Using a Medication Management Service
Some pharmacies or home health care agencies offer medication management services that can help seniors keep track of their medications. These services may include organizing and filling medication orders, providing medication reminders, and coordinating with doctors and other health care providers.
Using a Blister Pack
A blister pack is a type of packaging that separates medications into individual doses, which can be easier for seniors to manage. Seniors can ask their pharmacist to dispense their medications in a blister pack or use a blister pack organizer.
Asking for Clarification
If seniors have difficulty understanding their prescriptions or the instructions for taking their medications, they can ask their pharmacist or doctor for clarification. It’s essential for seniors to fully understand their medications and how to take them properly to ensure they are getting the best possible benefit.
3. Home Maintenance
Home maintenance can be challenging yet essential for seniors who have physical limitations or live alone. Some strategies for helping seniors maintain their homes include:
- Performing tasks for them. Senior’s adult children or caregivers can help them with tasks like yard work, cleaning, and home repairs. This can be especially helpful for seniors who are physically unable to handle these tasks themselves.
- Coordinating with a home maintenance service. Many companies offer home maintenance services that can help seniors with tasks like yard work, cleaning, and minor repairs. These services can be especially helpful for seniors with limited mobility or who have difficulty with tasks that require special skills or equipment.
- Installing safety devices. You may need to install safety devices in your elderly loved one’s home to reduce the risk of falls and accidents. This can include devices like grab bars, handrails, and smoke detectors. The Moen 8724 Home Home 24-Inch Bathroom Grab Barez is one great example you can install in their bathrooms. It can support up to 500 pounds (226.8 kilograms) of weight, which is enough for seniors of all sizes.
- Conducting a home safety assessment. A home safety assessment can help seniors identify potential hazards in their homes and suggest ways to make them safer. Many organizations, such as the Red Cross or the local fire department, offer home safety assessments for seniors.
4. Finances
Seniors need to organize and manage their financial affairs as they age. This can be especially important for those who live alone or have significant assets. Below are some tips for financial management for seniors.
Creating a Budget
Creating a budget can help seniors track their income and expenses and ensure that their financial resources are being used wisely. A budget can also help them identify areas where they may be able to cut costs or make more financially efficient choices.
Setting Up Online Banking
Online banking can make it easier for seniors to manage their finances and access their accounts. They can check their account balances, pay bills, and transfer funds online from the comfort of their homes, which is more convenient than visiting a bank in person.
It’s also possible to set up automatic payments for bills and other recurring expenses through online banking to ensure they are paid on time. This can help reduce the risk of late fees or missed payments.
Seeking Help From a Financial Planner or Advisor
Seniors may benefit from working with a financial planner or advisor to help them manage their finances. A financial planner can provide guidance on investments, retirement planning, and other financial matters and can help seniors make informed financial decisions.
If you see your elderly parent struggling with managing their finances, I strongly recommend stepping in to ensure they don’t take the wrong step.
For example, in one of my articles, I discussed whether you should put your parents’ house in your name. It’s actually advisable if they are facing financial problems while maintaining it. Check out the article to get an idea of the various benefits and disadvantages of doing this. Should You Put Your Elderly Parent’s House in Your Name?
5. Companionship
Seniors living alone may experience feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can negatively impact their physical and mental health. Adult children can help by spending time with their parents, engaging in activities together, and encouraging socialization.
Here are some ways you can give seniors more companionship to prevent them from feeling lonely and depressed:
- Hiring a caregiver. Caregivers are trained professionals who can provide companionship and assistance with daily tasks for seniors. Caregivers can visit seniors in their homes or provide support in an assisted living facility or nursing home. Here’s What Happens When Parents Go to a Nursing Home
- Seeking out volunteers. Some community groups offer volunteer programs that match seniors with volunteers who can provide companionship and support. Volunteers may visit seniors in their homes or take them out for activities or outings.
- Seeking out support groups. Support groups provide seniors with a sense of community and can offer a place to share experiences and connect with others facing similar challenges. Seniors can find support groups through their community or online.
6. Nutrition
Nutrition is an important factor in maintaining the health and well-being of seniors. Some of them may have difficulty preparing meals or may have specific dietary needs that require extra attention. Those who experience significant memory loss and cognitive decline may find it hard to make sure that they get the nutrition they need.
Seniors with specific dietary needs or concerns about their nutrition can seek guidance from their healthcare provider. A healthcare provider can assess seniors’ nutrition needs and recommend strategies for improving their nutrition.
7. Personal Care
Personal care refers to the assistance senior citizens may need with tasks related to daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. Some may have difficulty with these tasks due to physical or cognitive limitations, while others may need help. There are several ways that seniors can get help with personal care, including:
- Hiring a caregiver. Caregivers are trained professionals who can provide assistance with personal care tasks, as well as other daily tasks. Caregivers can visit seniors in their homes or provide support in an assisted living facility or nursing home.
- Coordinating with a home health agency. Home health agencies can provide seniors with in-home nursing and therapy services and assistance with personal care tasks. Home health agencies can be a good option for seniors who need more comprehensive care.
- Seeking help from a family member or friend. Seniors can ask family members or friends to assist with personal care tasks. It’s important for seniors to be open and honest about their needs and to respect their privacy when seeking help from family members or friends.
The Challenges of Providing Personal Care for Aging Parents
Many adult children have busy schedules and may struggle to find the time to provide care for their aging parents, especially if they live far away. If you have a full-time job, hiring a caregiver for your aging parent might be more convenient but considerably more expensive.
- Financial challenges: Providing care for an aging parent can get quite expensive. Most seniors don’t have jobs and rely on pensions and savings, which might not be enough to pay bills.
- Communication challenges: It can be difficult to communicate with aging parents about their needs and preferences, especially on sensitive topics like end-of-life care. This also depends on your relationship with the senior person and the level of trust between both parties.
- Emotional drain: Caring for an aging parent can be emotionally draining, and adult children may experience feelings of sadness, guilt, frustration, or anger.
- Privacy and boundaries. Seniors should be sure to discuss their privacy concerns with their caregivers or any other person who will be providing assistance. They can also set boundaries and establish a plan for how and when personal care tasks will be done.
8. Technology
Technology can be an important tool for seniors as it helps them stay connected with loved ones, access information, and resources, and maintain their independence. Some may experience physical or cognitive changes that make it more difficult for them to use technology, or they may simply be less familiar with new technologies.
Therefore, it’s important to ensure seniors are trained to use new technologies to keep abreast with the world. This would benefit them in the following ways:
- They can stay connected with loved ones: Seniors can use technology, such as video chat or social media, to keep in touch with friends and family members even if they are unable to leave their homes or are physically distant from their loved ones.
- They can easily access information and resources: Technology can provide seniors with access to a vast array of information and resources, such as news, weather, entertainment, and health information. Seniors can use the internet to learn about new topics, research products or services, and connect with others who share similar interests.
- It can help them maintain some level of independence: Technology can help seniors maintain their independence by providing them with tools to manage their daily tasks and activities. For example, seniors can use technology to track their medications, manage their finances, or control their home environment.
- They can participate in activities remotely: Seniors can use technology to participate in activities and events that may be physically difficult or inconvenient to attend in person. For example, through technology, they can attend virtual exercise classes, join online discussion groups, or watch live streams of events.
Many seniors are capable of learning or engaging in new activities. Many of them continue to learn and grow throughout their lives, and engaging in new activities can benefit their mental and physical health.
Seniors should be encouraged to maintain as much independence as possible, and caregivers should work to support them in this effort. It’s essential to strike a balance between providing necessary assistance and allowing seniors to retain control over their own lives.
With all that said, it’s important to note that your elderly parents might not always ask for your help. Even when you notice they are actively struggling with one of the categories mentioned above, they might lie and say they are doing okay. What to Do When Your Elderly Parents Lie to You
In situations like these, I suggest that you try to help out your parents anyhow, and see if they are welcoming of your help! If yes, continue with your loving gesture because it’s clearly welcome.
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