How to Deal With Frail Elderly Parents
When your elderly parent becomes frail, you may find yourself assuming the responsibility of caring for him on a day-to-day basis, or arranging for someone else to. In either case, it is important to maintain a loving and caring relationship with the parent. You should not become consumed with the task, nor does your parent have to lose his sense of independence.
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Instructions
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Be patient with your parent. By taking your time with her instead of rushing things, you can help assure her that she is not being a burden to you. If she feels she is being a burden, she may decide not to bother you with the things she needs.
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Be sure that your frail elderly parent has her needs met on a daily basis. For example, give her a bath, comb her hair, cook her meals, provide her medications and take her for a walk so she can enjoy the sunshine and get some fresh air.
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Be aware of the conditions around you when escorting your frail parent. Watch for slippery floors, icy conditions, elevated steps and curbs. Because he is frail, his bones are more fragile. A slip and a fall can easily cause a broken bone.
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Don't allow your parent to drive if she is no longer able to do so safely. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports show that the elderly are more likely to be involved in crashes than someone under 50. Instead of allowing your parent to drive, you can run errands for her or have someone else handle them.
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Avoid leaving your frail elderly parent home alone. Consider hiring a day sitter or a home health aide, or enrolling your parent in a senior day care center. You may need to ensure that someone is around to assist her with day-to-day care or in case of an emergency.
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Engage your frail elderly parent in the decision-making process as much as possible when it comes to matters that concerns him. Depending upon his mental condition, this may not always be possible. Still, getting input from your parent shows you are respecting how he feels and respecting his right to show some independence.
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Admit you are human. If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed by the burden of taking care of your parent, ask a friend or loved one to help out. Take a breather and spend some time on yourself. By taking care of yourself and your emotions, you will be better equipped to provide the care your parent needs.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit A Warning Sign for Elderly People. image by daseaford from Fotolia.com
