Creative Ways To Care For Your Parents in 2021

By Patrick Jones Jun 19 2021, 19:45 PM EDT

No question caring for aging parents has changed in the last few years. In past generations, it was common to have parents live in an in-law unit, guest suite, or next door. Today, people prefer to stay in their own homes, enjoying independence and freedom for as long as possible.

Home Is Where The Heart Is

In a recent study by AARP, nearly 90% of the people over 50 said they would prefer to stay in their homes for as long as possible. If your parents or loved ones have indicated this is their preference, what can you do to support their wishes?

Caring for aging parents is a lot easier when approached as an opportunity. While some families can provide full-time in-home care, for many people, this is not possible. The demands of daily life, family life, and work schedules may make this an unrealistic solution.

Family Solutions

Some families can provide in-home care, especially if they live locally. The closest children often become the most involved in taking care of their parents. This may include daily chores, housework; help with medications, and going to medical appointments. It can also include sharing outings, meals, and family holidays.

In many families, some children live locally and may be able to manage immediate needs. However, if this is not the case, there are other options.

In-Home Help

To help your parents determine the best options, check out local in-home help. Start searching for a nursing agency in NYC, San Francisco, or wherever your parent(s) live. If you look online, you should quickly have clear options for getting the reliable help you're seeking.

You'll find experts who can help you make smart choices to match your parents' unique needs. In addition to medical help, consider assistance with household chores and daily life such as:

Light housework
Assistance with dressing
Help with bathing and grooming
Going for walks
Companionship and conversation
Scheduling and escorting for appointments
Practical help with staying active
Assistance remembering medications

With hands-on assistance - your parents will be able to stay active, and independent from their own home.

Find Incentives

Incentives have been making the news. Recently, President Joe Biden offered Covid-vaccination incentives and the response has been very positive.

With a little creativity, it's possible to use 'incentives' to inspire your folks to accept in-home help. Look for the things that will fuel their desire to take action. This may be oddly similar to the incentive program offered by the President.

Favorite Treats

Does your parent have a favorite beverage treat - perhaps a beer, wine, coffee, or tea? You can offer extra treats as an 'incentive' for accepting the help of an in-home aide.

Personal Passions

Does your mom or dad have a personal passion - such as painting, golfing, walking, or calligraphy? You can offer special outings, tutoring, private lessons, or events that feature these preferred activities.

Special Interests

Does your mom or dad light up at the thought of a special activity? Offer to make these interests a core part of their daily, weekly, or monthly schedule. It could be watching a film, going to a concert, or trying out a new restaurant.

With in-home help, your parent can live in a comfortable and familiar environment. They can continue to enjoy the neighborhood, and live an independent lifestyle. At the same time, they can maintain friendships and get social support from their community.

As you talk to your folks, explore how to help them stay active, engaged, and socially active.

Stay Connected

According to a recent report in the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) about 25% of Americans 65 or older are socially isolated. This can contribute to loneliness and feelings of isolation.

Having nursing assistance will help with the medical and some of the practical needs of running a household. But, helping your parents feel socially connected will help your folks thrive - not just survive.

Look for ways to help your parents share their knowledge, passion, and wisdom. Perhaps they have a lifelong passion that they would like to pass on to future generations.

Explore ways to help your folks contribute their insights: