Taking care of a parent in their old age causes substantial stress and low spirits. The massive lifestyle change is sure to affect each of your mental health. Here are some ways you and your elderly parent can improve your quality of life together during this adjustment.
How You Can Help Your Parent
Your parent’s whole world is flipped around! They lost their independence, their home, and their typical routine. Here are some ideas to help them feel better about their life.
Encourage Participation in Social Groups
You and your parent’s doctors might be the only forms of socialization your parent receives. Isolation can increase the risk of depression.
Find regular events to attend. These could include visiting a community senior center, attending church services, art classes, or partaking in a book club. It’s an ideal way to get out of the house, stay social, and boost your parent’s well-being.
Find an Accessible Vehicle That Makes Transportation Simple
Your parent cannot easily leave the house for doctor’s appointments or social activities without the proper vehicle. Mobility vans are a must if your parent has difficulty walking on their own.
Mobility vans have helpful equipment features for accessible driving. Some vans have fold-out ramps or swivel seat chairs for safe and reliable exit and entry.
These vehicles make your parent feel safer and make your life as a caretaker much easier. Leaving the house becomes less of a hassle.
How You Can Help Yourself
It’s likely that becoming a full-time caretaker greatly impacted your typical routine. While you may feel fortunate to spend so much time with your parent every day, you may also feel the mental pressure weighing on you.
Establish Healthy Eating Habits
Elderly parents are likely to have a poor appetite or be on a strict diet. Their eating habits may discourage you from eating hearty meals like you used to. Not to mention, the stress of being a caretaker can make you feel like you have no time for yourself.
Remember that the food you eat has a direct effect on your mental health. Constant snacking won’t take the place of a nutritious dinner. Finding a way to make healthy meals for yourself and cut out poor eating habits as much as you can is essential. It will be a gradual process, but it’s possible when you push yourself.
Ask For Extra Help
Perhaps your parent’s condition worsens and you can’t manage it independently anymore. It’s okay to ask for help.
Requesting assistance from a home health nurse can alleviate some of the stress you feel about being your parent’s sole caretaker. Some things are difficult to do without proper training and assistance. A home health nurse can administer medications, perform procedures, and check your parent’s vitals each day. The nurse will ensure they receive the best care to stay healthy.
Final Tip: Spend Quality Time Together
Your relationship with your parent has changed since you became their caretaker. It’s important to do different things together to maintain your relationship.
Watch a movie together. Visit a museum. Stroll through the park. Get brunch at a new restaurant.
You have plenty of opportunities to revitalize this relationship. All it takes is a little effort to improve the quality of life for yourself and your elderly parent.