7 Ways to Support Parents as They Age

As our parents get older, they may need more help from loved ones. Offering assistance to parents can come in many different forms, but it’s always a great way to let them know that they are cared for. If you’re looking to provide support for your aging parents, here are seven ways you can help.

Check in with them regularly.

Taking the time to connect with your parents can make them feel cared for and help you stay on top of any issues. Depending on your proximity to your parents and their preferred method of contact, you can check in by calling, writing, or visiting in person. Regular check-ins can also help your parents feel less alone and less isolated.

Ask after their health, well-being, and safety.

During check-ins, be sure to ask your parents about their physical health, emotional wellbeing, and sense of security. Keep in mind that you can respect your parents’ desire for privacy while still using your judgment about when you should intervene in their best interests.

Identify what household tasks they’re struggling with.

Find out what household tasks have become more challenging for your parents so you can come up with a plan to help. Perhaps they’d benefit from hiring a cleaning service or if you picked up their medications. Alleviating the number of day-to-day activities your parents struggle with can help them focus on taking the best care of themselves.

Confirm whether their home requires any modifications.

Home repairs and modifications become more crucial as our parents get older. Assess your parents’ home to determine any issues, such as uneven floors, outdated appliances, a lack of railings or grab bars, dim lighting, or clutter. Getting rid of hazards in the home may help your parents avoid harmful falls while preserving their independence.

Stay updated on medical issues.

It may be overwhelming for your parents to monitor new symptoms, keep track of doctor’s appointments, track down medical records, and follow up on treatment plans. By keeping tabs on your parents’ health, you can help them navigate medical issues they require advocacy for, or simply appreciate having support.

Monitor any changes in behavior and health.

You can assist your parents by being mindful of any noticeable changes to their appearance, health, and behavior. Because caring for others can be a lot of responsibility, you can also explore hiring in-home help, care managers, and assisted care facilities. These are helpful resources can monitor parents’ wellbeing.

Help get their finances in order.

It’s reasonable to expect that care costs money. Take the time to review your parents’ finances with them. Take stock of their traditional sources of income, such as social security, a pension, or 401(k), and note any other sources of funding, such as the cash value of a whole life insurance policy or other permanent life insurance policy. Policyholders can borrow against the cash value for any reason; it can be helpful in retirement for additional cashflow during market downturns, and to help manage taxes.

The primary purpose of permanent life insurance is to provide a death benefit. Using permanent life insurance accumulated value to supplement retirement income will reduce the death benefit and may affect other aspects of the policy.

 

Source: iQuanti