Ways to Look After Your Aging Parents

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Ways to Look After Your Aging Parents

Aging is a part of life, but that doesn’t make it any easier to face, especially when we see our parents getting older. Suddenly, we start to worry about the people who have worried about us our entire lives. This is natural, and there are plenty of ways to look after your aging parents—read on below.

Have Them Move In With You

You can keep a close eye on your parents if they live with you. Many people aren’t thrilled with this option because they want to keep a private space. But you can explore the many possibilities of transforming that extra room into an in-law suite—whether you have a basement or even a bonus area above your garage. You can convert your space into your parents’ own apartment, and they’re still close enough in case something goes wrong. Basements, for example, make for ideal in-law suites, as they’re private yet cozy. But while renovating, consider certain tips for finishing your basement. Hire the proper professionals and create a plan so nothing pops up out of the blue.

Hire a Caregiver

Even if your parents do live with you, you can’t attend to them all the time. Another way to look after your aging parents is to hire a caregiver. Make the vetting process as thorough as possible so your parents end up with the right caretaker. Ask about the person’s credentials, including past clients, to get a feel for their experience. Hiring a dedicated caretaker can help put your mind at ease.

Technological Advancements

Many seniors are hesitant to use technology because they don’t understand it. But you can show them that technology isn’t scary. In fact, many assistive devices can help people in an emergency. The new Apple Watch, for example, offers a fall feature in which people can hit a button to inform authorities if they’ve fallen. And you can also demonstrate other technological advancements, like electronic thermostats and automatic chairs. Additionally, you can install smart cameras to keep an eye on them when you aren’t around. Your parents may not be as spry as they once were, but assistive technology can help them maintain their independence.

For additional information and helpful tools on caring for your aging parents, gain access to our Caregiver Toolkit.