Taking Care Of Elderly Parents When You Have A Busy Schedule

Parents play a huge role in our lives. They help shape us from an early age, and the least we can do is to reciprocate when they start to age. However, the busy lifestyles most of us lead mean we struggle to find the time. There are too many kids’ soccer practices to go and watch and too many dinners to make to be there for them 24/7. So, what are we supposed to do to ensure they are fit and healthy and we don’t suffer from guilt?

Here are a few tips which should come in handy for grown-ups with hectic timetables.

Pick A Nursing Home

Sometimes, when we can’t offer around the clock assistance, it isn’t right for the elderly to stay at home. They may not like it, but it’s time for them to go to a nursing home and receive the treatment they need to enjoy their golden years. Choosing one doesn’t have to be a hassle – the least they deserve is a say in their futures. Plus, some are assisted living facilities where they still get independence along with the watchful staff. However, be careful of bad reviews as a nursing home abuse attorney may end up on speed dial. Always ask around for advice and give it a trial run if possible.

Hire A Caregiver

When parents fight the process, it breaks our hearts because the last thing we want is for them to go into a home. Thankfully, there is a middle ground as caregivers will provide essential treatment when we are at work or need to look after the kids. Whether it’s a couple of hours a day or a week, they should supplement the care we give them on a daily basis. Usually, the elderly get benefits to pay for these treatments so money shouldn’t be a problem.

Start A Sibling Routine

As long as we have brothers and sisters, we have people to help share the load. The brunt of the responsibility shouldn’t fall on one person because it isn’t fair. Everybody needs to do their bit for their parents. With that in mind, it’s important to get the siblings together and to come up with a routine. One person checks on them every other day and the rest fill in the gaps. And, at weekends, everyone can alternate. Along with a caregiver, they should be well looked after seven days a week.

Set Out Medicines

Not being there to make sure they take the right medicines is a scary thought. One wrong dosage and they may end up in hospital. But, we can’t be there every day to watch over them and check they have swallowed. Thankfully, what we can do is to put out their daily medications at the start of the week so that they have to put a tablet on their tongue and drink. There are excellent pill counters which have the days of the week on them to make sure everything runs safely and smoothly.

A busy schedule doesn’t have to get in the way of doing the right thing for our parents.