Being the child of an aging senior can mean that you are responsible for some of their day-to-day tasks. While it can feel like a daunting challenge, there are ways to relieve stress and be helpful to parents in need.
First of all, you’re not alone. A 2015 Pew Research study shows that 60% of American grown children have helped a parent with errands, housework or home repair, and/or personal care within the past 12 months. You are in a majority of the adult population who is relied on to provide and you can do it without getting burnt out or frustrated.
Like with any care situation, it’s important to establish priorities. If your parent can no longer drive, but are still able to live on their own, running errands and taking them to doctor appointments could be a huge help. Instead of doing multiple trips over the course of a week, try to block off one day to do everything.
If you have a day job and can’t take time off, there are other ways you could offer to help. If you’re good with numbers, offering to take on some of your parent’s financial work can be tremendously beneficial. It may be something that you can simply build into your own financial routine and do at the same time. It also will give you a sense of relief knowing that no payments are being missed and that your parent is in no financial danger.
This also may be a good time for you to look into an assisted care community. If care is not something you can handle on your own, finding the right living situation for your parent or loved one is essential. Beyond a complete level of care, an assisted living community also offers a social aspect to aging. Nothing is more reassuring than knowing your loved one is being engaged and cared for 24-hours a day. If you choose to look into an assisted living community, be sure to do extensive interviewing and research to find the right fit for everyone involved. If you’re interested in learning more about New Perspective Senior Living communities, please schedule a tour with us.
Most of all, it’s important to be there for your aging loved ones. While at times it can be stressful to support a parent in their senior years, the value of your presence is unmatched. Care comes in many forms, but the support that a child gives a parent is a critical component of aging gracefully.
Today, New Perspective Senior Living operates 21 senior living communities serving over 2,000 seniors through Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care options, with a goal to be serving 10,000 seniors by 2025. Based in Eden Prairie, Minn., the company has won multiple awards including Top Assisted Living Facility, Best-of-the-Best Dining Experience and Top Workplaces. In addition, Todd Novaczyk, was recently profiled in the Senior Housing News, The Leadership Series, while Ryan Novaczyk was just named to 50 for the Next 50 by Leading Age of Minnesota
