Dealing with aging parents is very hard, not only for us but also for them. It’s a difficult adjustment for everyone when we need to start parenting our own parents. As they age, there are several things our parents need for us to be aware of in order to help them.
1. Everyday activities such as grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, going to their doctor appointments, laundry, hygiene, paying bills, and eating properly. Are they able to perform these tasks? Do they need help?
2. Where they live – Is it close to you or another relative or close friend that can help them if needed? What about an emergency – is someone close enough to drop by and check in on them? Can they manage living in their current home or does it need modifications to make life easier?
3. Getting around – Are your parents able to get around to perform their everyday activities?
4. Health – Are your parents scheduling regular doctor appointments? Have you met their doctors and know what health they are in? What types of medications are they on? How are they remembering to take them? A weekly pill box with the days of the week on the outside is helpful. At the beginning of each week, each section of the pill box should be filled with the correct medications and vitamins to take each day so your parents can remember what they are supposed to take and when they should take it. Prescriptions need to be filled on time.
5. Money – Do they need goverment help? Can they pay all of their bills? Is all of their financial information current and in one place?
6. Paying for health care – What type of health insurance do they have? Is it covering all of the expenses they need covered? Do they need you to go over the policy and help fill out any forms?