Table of Contents
What do you do when your parents are sick and old?
How do you help your parents accept care?
- Understand their motivations.
- Accept the situation.
- Choose your battles.
- Don’t beat yourself up.
- Treat your aging parents like adults.
- Ask them to do it for the kids (or grandkids)
- Find an outlet for your feelings.
- Include them in future plans.
How do you accept that my parents are getting older?
- Summon the courage and strength to embrace the cycle of life.
- Become a competent caregiver.
- Vent when necessary.
- Honor and celebrate their lives while they’re here.
- Get to know them even better.
- Be there for them when they need you.
How do I stop worrying about my elderly parents?
Consider talking to someone about your feelings and concerns, even if (or especially if) your aging parent refuses to do so. This can help you emotionally, but also from a practical perspective. You can get some advice, such as ideas that will help you approach the situation or resources to help now or in the future.
What should I do if my parents are having health problems?
Address safety issues. Point out any potential safety issues to your parents — then make a plan to address the problems. For example, a higher toilet seat or handrails in the bathroom might help prevent falls.
How can I talk to my mom about her health problems?
Try to: Share your concerns. Talk to your parents. Encourage regular medical checkups. If you’re worried about a parent’s weight loss, depressed mood, memory loss, or other signs and symptoms, encourage your parent to schedule a doctor’s visit. Address safety issues.
How can I help my mother cope with her loss?
Expect them, in one way or another, to lash out about that loss. Give them their autonomy. Insofar as you can, offer your parent options instead of orders. It’s important for them to continue to feel as if they, and not you, are running their lives. Let them decide everything they can about their own care and situation. Ask their advice.
What should I do if I don’t live near my parents?
There are many steps you can take to ensure your parents’ health and well-being, even if you don’t live nearby. Try to: Share your concerns. Talk to your parents. Your concern might motivate them to see a doctor or make other changes. Consider including other people who care about your parents in the conversation, such as close friends.