Health Answers

As time passes we age. A second leads to a minute to an hour then a day, a week, a year. It just continues on, we all age and there is nothing we can do about it. So one way or another we have to come to terms with our own mortality and that of our parents.

Those of us fortunate enough to have parents may find that we have them when they are much older and in physical and mental health this is declining leaving us caring for aging parents.

Having an aging parent in your care can make life interesting for friends and family and also difficult at times. This is especially true when it is unexpected, like when a parent has a massive stroke, breaks a hip or is in an accident.

At times like this you need to know what you as a caregiver can do to get ready in case there is an emergency and also to keep your sanity. Let’s begin the knowledge you should already have in case of physician’s appointments or emergencies.

It’s real easy to have this information at hand by printing it on a card and laminating it. That way it is there when you need it and can be updated at any time without much cost.

Of course before your parents do become ill, you should already have worked with them to write down the birth dates, any major medical problems or allergies, any medications that they are taking, any prior surgeries names, numbers of physicians and any specialist they see, insurance information, any advanced directives, religious beliefs and lifestyle choices they may have made, i.e. smoking, recreational drugs, alcohol.

Being aware of this information will your ability to care for your aging parents when they need to seen new doctors or is hospitalized or need emergency care. It is also a good idea to keep a bag packed just in case there is a hospitalization or emergency, it will definitely lower the stress some.

Another things to consider when caring for aging parents are to be attentive to their independence. By being observant you will be able to tell if they are struggling and in need of help. If you watch how they are doing in their daily lives you will be able to offer help even if it is outside help that will allow them to be able to spend more time at home.

When it comes to making decisions you should make sure that all family members are involved. It would be best to have a family conference so that everyone is together at the same time to go over the information. Just because your parents are older does not mean that they do not have a say, so if they are able to participate in the decision making process, then let them. Everyone should agree with the decisions made to avoid stress later. When it comes to the time that a parent needs help and care, then the decisions concerning financial situations and where they will be is made and it will be easier for you to bear.

Whenever it is possible you should respect the wishes of your parents. A lot of times they want to continue living independently until it is impossible. Let them help to decide where they will be and what kind of outside help they would want or may need.

To help your parents remain independent for as long as possible you should do a home safety evaluation. You may find that it is as simple as removing a misplaced rug that could cause a fall and consequently serious injury. Check your local hospitals, many of them have either some flyers that will help your to evaluate the home or an expert on geriatric safety.

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