Caring for your aging parents at home is a huge commitment that requires careful consideration. While rewarding, it also comes with unique challenges. This ultimate guide covers all the key things to consider when providing in-home care for elderly family members and if in-home care is the most suitable option.

Tips on caring for elderly parents at home

To assist you in the initial stages, we have gathered tips to help prepare you for caring for your elderly parents, managing the workload, and reducing stress.

1. Open Communication

Maintain regular and open communication with your elderly parents by discussing their preferences, concerns, and any changing needs they might have. This not only helps in understanding their desires but also strengthens the emotional bond between you. Regular conversations provide an opportunity to address any arising issues, fostering a supportive and trusting relationship.

2. Set expectations

When taking care of your elderly parents, make sure to discuss what you can do and establish healthy boundaries to maintain a balanced life. Avoid letting caregiving take over entirely. Make decisions on tasks such as assisting with personal care like bathing or toileting. Remember, your home is a shared space, and it's crucial to set boundaries that align with maintaining your relationships and protecting your personal life, creating a caregiving setup that lasts and provides support.

3. Prepare the home

Safety-proof your parents' home so it's accessible and safe for mobility limitations. Install grab bars in bathrooms and railings on stairs, improve lighting, remove rugs and clutter that could cause trips or falls, and ensure a clear path through walkways. You may also need to arrange a hospital bed, commode chair, shower chair, portable ramp or other medical equipment.

4. Encourage Mental and Physical Activity

Support the well-being of your elderly parents by promoting both mental and physical activities. Engage them in activities to stimulate their minds, such as puzzles, reading, or conversations. Also, encourage gentle exercises that fit their abilities, such as walking or stretching. Keeping them active physically and mentally helps maintain their health and makes daily life more enjoyable.

5. Make easy-to-cook meals

Choose recipes with just a few steps and easy-to-find ingredients. Let your parents join in preparing meals—it can be a fun and shared activity. Or, think about using a meal delivery service. They bring ready-made, healthy meals to your door, saving time and making sure your parents get good and balanced meals without much effort in the kitchen.

6. Promote social activities

Explore options like joining a senior citizens club, where they can connect with peers and participate in group activities. Arrange casual coffee dates to build connections and a sense of community. Consider engaging in shared hobbies, such as woodworking, photography, or gardening, to provide enjoyable and social pastimes. These activities help them stay connected and contribute to their overall well-being and happiness.

7. Find supportive resources

Taking care of your elderly parents becomes more manageable with supportive resources. Consider using respite care providers to offer you a break when needed. Daycare providers, like those found at Joshua Tree Home Support, excel in providing a change of environment and social engagement for your elderly parents. In-home services can help you avoid burnout with housework, meal preparation, and transportation.

8. Plan ahead

Start by consulting a lawyer to organize your parent's finances, ensuring that legal matters are well-managed. Enroll in a home care package, recognizing that this process takes time; having immediate assistance ready through services like My Aged Care can be beneficial when the need arises. Also, explore alternative care arrangements for the future when you can no longer provide care.

Challenges of living with your elderly parents

Taking care of an aging parent can be a rewarding experience, yet it comes with various challenges, including:

1. Loss of Privacy

Sharing living space can lead to a loss of privacy for your elderly parents and other family members, especially married children. Personal boundaries may be challenged, impacting everyone's sense of personal space.

2. Unexpected Workload

Providing care for elderly parents can be more demanding than you expected. The responsibilities may include daily caregiving tasks and also managing medical appointments, medications, and potential emergencies.

3. Financial Drain

Having an extra adult in the household can lead to increased expenses. Additional groceries, utilities, home modifications for safety, necessary equipment, and medical bills can contribute to financial strain.

4. Time Demands

Caring for elderly parents can be time-consuming, requiring a significant commitment. From daily care to medical appointments, juggling these responsibilities alongside your personal life and work can be demanding.

Benefits of looking after your elderly parents at home

While there are challenges in taking care of an aging parent,  it's important to remember there are many benefits of being a family caregiver, as well. Here are some benefits of looking after your elderly parents at home:

1. Peace of mind: You can be confident that your elderly parents are getting the proper care and support, and seniors can feel secure knowing that their caregiver is someone they can rely on.

2. Builds a stronger relationship: It's common for adult children to gradually become less involved with their parents as time goes by. Regular phone calls or visits may turn into annual trips lasting only a few days. Caring for your elderly parents at home provides the opportunity to build a stronger and closer relationship with them.

3. Reduces feelings of isolation: Elderly individuals who live alone or socially isolated are more likely to experience depression. Having a strong social network becomes more readily available when aging parents live with an adult child or in a multi-generational household. 

4. Preservation of dignity: Personal care from a family member can be less embarrassing for the parent compared to professional helpers assisting with bathing/dressing.

5. A greater sense of purpose: Research shows that helping others boosts one's own happiness and life satisfaction. Regardless of whether your elderly parent requires minimal or more intensive assistance, embracing the caregiver responsibilities for your aging loved one will provide you with an invaluable sense of meaning and purpose.

6. Safety: Did you know seniors living in a care facility are three times more likely to have falls than those living in their own homes? Factors like physical inactivity, frailty, health issues, medication use, and unfamiliar surroundings can contribute to this risk. Looking after your elderly parents can help mitigate some of these factors.

7. Financial relief: While hiring a professional caregiver may become necessary down the road, taking on some basic caregiving tasks yourself can initially minimise costs. You may be able to handle minor chores, errands, and duties on your own, even if you arrange for an aide or nurse to visit a few times a week to take over more complex needs. By balancing self-provided care with supplemental professional support, you can reduce expenses while ensuring your aging parent's well being.

Conclusion

Taking care of your elderly parents takes effort and flexibility. But small daily actions to enable their wellbeing, safety and comfort can make home the best place to be. With open communication and respite for yourself, it can be a rewarding time together despite the difficulties.

For other guides on caring for your elderly parents check out:

• Caring for Parents with Incontinence
• Sourcing an adjustable bed for Elderly
• The best toilet aids for Seniors
• Funding for elderly people in Victoria