How to Help Your Parents Prepare for Old Age
In a perfect world, all members of a family would come together to support their aging parents. However, this is an unrealistic scenario for many people, not least those who have careers and children to take care of, and it’s not uncommon to hear stories about siblings fighting over who is going to take care of mum or dad and when.
Realistically, it’s never too early to help your parents prepare for old age, and in doing so, you may alleviate a lot of the stress further down the line. Below are a few of the things you can discuss now in order to make better decisions for the future.
Finances
Do your parents have enough money to maintain their lifestyle and their day-to-day needs? Is the state pension enough for them to live on, or will they need to tap into existing savings in order to get by? If your parents are not yet 65, it’s worth advising them to pay off as many debts as possible before they retire, and to put a strategy in place to reduce bills. Moving to a smaller, cheaper property may be an option for some soon-to-be pensioners. Read more about the different types of financial help which is available to the elderly.
Safety
Do your parents feel safe in their home, and when out and about? Would they feel safer if they lived closer to you or your siblings? Are you reassured that they won’t fall foul to fraud or exploitation? If your parents have lived in a certain area for most of their life, they may be more than happy to stay where they are, especially if it is somewhere where they have built memories. Some parents, however, would prefer to live closer to their children and grandchildren as they get older, so it’s worth asking your parents how they feel and whether this would be an option.
Cognition
Are your parents experiencing any unusual signs of disorientation or confusion? Have you noticed them struggling to make decisions or finding the right words to say how they feel? Old age can cause people to become more forgetful, but conditions like dementia can cause people to forget how to do things in daily life. If you have noticed any changes in your parents, it is worth encouraging them to get it checked out. Many elderly people have no cognitive issues at all, but those that do will require some level of extra care.
Disabilities
Illness and disability is a natural part of life, and it can affect some elderly people more than others. If either of your parents suffer from a disability, it’s important to ensure that they are getting the care that they need. Some elderly people may just require a mobility scooter to get around, whilst others may need help with cooking hot meals and getting washed and dressed. It’s also a good idea to monitor any changes in their social lives, diet and responsibilities to ensure they are happy and functioning well.
If your parents are only just reaching retirement age, it’s likely that they are coping with all of the above just fine. The best course of action, therefore, is just to observe them, keep the lines of communication open, and let them know that you are there for them if they need you. Discussing the above with them is also a good idea, so that you can have a plan in place should you need one.
