It can be tough to accept that your parents are getting older. For most of your life, they will have been the ones taking care of you and fulfilling that parental role.
Now, the tables may be beginning to turn. As your parents get older, you may find yourself taking on the role of caring for them. Your role could include ensuring they are safe, comfortable and well-supported as the years roll on. This dynamic shift can be difficult to navigate so here are some tips to help you care for your elderly parents.
Assessing care needs and options
Before you can make any decisions, take some time to assess your parents’ needs. You need to consider both their physical and mental health to determine what level of care they require.
It is important to consider your parents’ wishes at this stage. Some elderly people have all their faculties and are perfectly mentally capable of helping with this process. You may also have had conversations with them about the future that you can draw on.
By looking at these different factors, you can decide whether they would benefit from in-home care, assisted living or a residential care home.
Understanding legal responsibilities
There is no legal requirement for adults to take care of their elderly parents in the UK, but if you do decide to, then you need to be aware of the various legal considerations that come with this.
Power of Attorney is a legal document which allows someone to make decisions about healthcare or finances on behalf of an impaired person. These forms need to be carefully filled out and signed in a specific order, so it may be time to speak to lawyers who specialise in this area.
Managing your parents’ finances
Caring for elderly parents can impact their and your finances. There are potential new costs for services such as professional carers and home adaptations should they be deemed necessary. Try to sit down and sort through their different bank accounts and find out where their money is and how much they have – this helps with budgeting for care and other necessities.
If you do have a Lasting Power of Attorney then you may be able to make your lives a bit easier and set up services such as online banking. This will allow you to transfer funds, set up direct debits and pay bills easily.
Prioritising self-care and support networks
Looking after your parents is a difficult position to suddenly undertake. Providing care to adults can be physically and emotionally draining, so you must keep on top of your own needs and self-care.
Make sure you lean on your support network. Even if it is just to vent, talking to someone about how you’re feeling can help you deal with the pressure. There are also local groups for carers that you can seek support from.
