Caring for ageing family members: Eight ways to bust the stress

Watching parents or other family members getting older and more fragile can be frightening, difficult and overall just stressful. Those who once cared for us suddenly needing their own care can be a rude awakening, and some adult children might not know what to do.

Ageing is often tough – both for the older people and their loved ones and caretakers. The journey might be frustrating, but there are ways to make it easier for all involved by managing the most stressful aspects.

Here are a few ways to make daily life a little easier and manage that all-important mental health at the same time.

Medical alert devices

When one is constantly worrying about a loved one’s safety, it’s hard not to get bogged down by stress. Medical alert systems are a great way to help ensure their safety and offer some peace of mind in the meantime.

These systems will connect an older adult to a professional caretaker, a family member or some other emergency service by means of a simple, wearable panic button. This will allow them to easily call for help should they slip or fall, or need any other emergency assistance.

Carers

Of course, there is a difference between taking care of someone and actual “caring” as a job or a role. Simply taking care of a loved one might entail helping them out with chores here and there, bringing them a meal and spending some extra time with them.

Being a true carer typically involves 24-hour, live-in care, assisting with daily tasks like feeding, bathing, medication and other activities a senior might struggle with.

Many family members don’t have the time or capacity to be dedicated carers – and they shouldn’t feel guilty! This is usually considered a full-time job and should be handled by a professional. However, helping to hire someone will make it possible to rest at ease knowing they’re looked after.

Health checks and appointments

As people age, their medical needs usually rise. An ageing family member will need to visit the doctor regularly for health checks, especially if they’re managing a chronic illness or pain of any sort.

Family members can help and manage their own worries by simply taking charge of this aspect of things, self-appointing as their secretary and keeping track of their checkups and bookings, as well as driving them to the doctor to ensure they get there safely.

Taking medication

We all grow a little forgetful as we get older, and this, piled on top of the growing number of pills and liquids a senior might need to take in a day, can be tough to stay on top of. From chronic medication to daily vitamins, loved ones should make it their goal to ensure their elderly kin remember all their meds each day.

This can be done by portioning the medication out into a daily pill box for them, setting reminders on their smartphone for a specific time each day, or even calling them every day to give them a reminder to take their meds.

Nutrition

We all know that a healthy, balanced diet is important throughout life, but it might be even more crucial in the golden years. If ageing parents are growing too tired and weak to cook their own healthy meals each and every day, it might be time to take control.

There are two ways to do this: the first option is to cook and freeze pre-made meals for them to keep in their fridge or freezer. By doing this, it’ll be ensure they’re eating enough, and eating healthy meals with lots of fruits and vegetables, instead of takeout.

Another option is to get them set up with a high-quality meal delivery service. There are plenty of companies that offer healthy, pre-made meals, both fresh or frozen that loved ones can simply pop into the microwave or oven when they’re hungry.

A sharp mind

Anyone concerned about a loved one losing their cognitive ability will want to do everything they can to help them exercise their brains. Unfortunately, memory loss, forgetfulness and a slowing of cognitive function are a part of getting older, but this can be manageed with certain activities.

Older family members can stay sharp by trying new hobbies that will keep them thinking and learning. Some good ideas are learning an instrument (if their hands are still capable), knitting new patterns, doing number or word puzzles, or even gardening.

Having something to work on will not only help keep their brains active, but also give them something to be achieve each day.

Emotional support

Many people have a tough time emotionally with the changes and challenges they’re facing in their old age. Seeing people one cares about hurting can be heartbreaking but the most important thing is to be there for them.

It’s essential to spend as much time with them as possible and remind them that they’re not alone. Offering emotional support or a shoulder for them to cry on, or even just making them laugh is such an important thing to do – and, after all, laughter truly is the best medicine.

Self-care

Of course, offering love and care will help reduce stress about what’s happening to family members. However, nobody can pour from an empty cup.

When the job is done, it’s absolutely necessary to remember to care for oneself in some more selfish ways too. Taking some time away to relax, implementing “me-time” each day and finding individual ways of coping can be all it takes. A hobby, some social interaction to vent and exercising a little every day will help let out frustrations and worries about the future.

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