Guest Blogger: Emma Jones 

Emma is part of the community team at Greenwood Homecare who provide a range of high quality care services. Emma is passionate about improving the quality of care that elderly people receive in the UK and around the world.

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One of the most difficult and emotionally draining things is to take care of your aging parents. With an increasing number of people living beyond 70 years, more and more people are now taking care of their aging parents. If you are a caregiver and you are unable to offer the best care then you are likely to feel frustrated. Although taking care of your parent is not difficult, if you can’t, it’s better to engage an expert. Here are 5 timely tips to better care for your aging parents.

Involve them in a simple fun activity

Just like us, the elderly also enjoys having a little fun. However busy and serious you are, you need to plan some fun activity for your aging parents. By doing this, you will not only have sweet memories but also heal them emotionally. You can engage in activities such as singing, simple trivia games, make cards, write letters among others.

Get extra caregiving help

One of the best ways to minimize the work and reduce stress is to get some extra hands to help you. While this is not the easiest things to do, it’s very important to think about it. You need to look out for different ways to get all the tasks done and save time. It may take effort, patience, and creative thinking but it will definitely be worth it. You can also ask your family members to help you or just enroll your aging parent in a daytime program and help them from there.

Make a budget and understand the cost

Before making any decision about your finances, you need to put together what you will be spending on caregiving. Make a list of all the resources that you need. By doing this, you will not only reduce the amount of money that you spend but also organize yourself.

Make sure they take their drugs

When your aging parents are still staying alone you need to make sure that they are taking their drugs. While having a schedule is a good thing they might still miss their drugs. Instead of filling the day’s compartment with the medicine that they are supposed to take, make a follow up to ensure that they take them. Instead of fussing or panicking just remind them and gently correct them. Additionally, ensure that you take them to their doctor’s appointment.

Learn to be tolerant and patient

In most instances we want things to go our way. Although you can tell them what they are supposed to do, you might still find them doing the opposite. You just need to accept this and avoid taking it personally. Remember, they are not being defiant or rebellious but are just striving to do their best. In addition to this, you need to know that they might not be as responsive as you might want them to be. You, therefore, need to be very patient with them.

While taking care of your aging parents at home might not be easy, moving them to a home for the elderly home is not the best option. By mastering these tips, you will ensure that they stay safe and healthy.