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Encourage Open Communication
The first step in addressing any concern is communication. Sit down with your parents and have an open, honest conversation about their current needs. Ask how they feel about their health and mobility, and make note of anything they’d like assistance with. You might also ask if they’re happy with their current healthcare providers. Creating an open dialogue fosters trust and ensures you’re aware of their specific concerns.
Schedule Regular Check-Ins
Even if you live far from your parents, regular communication is crucial. Whether it’s through a quick phone call, video chat, or an in-person visit, keeping up with consistent check-ins provides reassurance for both parties. Use these opportunities to monitor their physical and emotional well-being while letting them know they are not alone. By being proactive, you can spot changes in their health early and intervene accordingly. If you’re still concerned about your parent’s well-being, reach out to elderly support services like BrightStar Care of Barrington & McHenry County.
Make Healthcare Easier to Navigate
Medical appointments and understanding healthcare plans can be daunting for seniors, especially if they don’t have prior experience with the healthcare system. You can help alleviate some of their stress by offering to organize their appointments and medications. Simplify the process by:
- Creating a Medical Calendar—Use this tool to track upcoming appointments, medication schedules, and follow-up visits.
- Advocating for Your Parents—Offer to attend critical doctor visits. Once there, be sure to ask questions and ensure your parents have the right information.
- Reviewing Insurance Plans Together—Help them understand their coverage and benefits, particularly for long-term care.
Work With Their Healthcare Providers
Building a good rapport with your parent’s healthcare providers is another way to support your folks and give yourself peace of mind. Many clinics and hospitals welcome family members to participate in appointments, and doing so can make it easier to keep up with a care plan. If possible, request updates or maintain communication with doctors, nurses, or specialists to stay informed about any developments or areas needing special attention.
Promote Healthy Lifestyles
Advocating for healthy living is another major part of senior health planning in McHenry County. Even helping your parents pick up a small healthy habit can significantly contribute to their overall physical and mental health. Work with your parents on establishing a lifestyle that promotes the following:
- Balanced Nutrition—Introduce easy-to-prepare, wholesome meals that suit your parents’ dietary needs. You might even offer to meal plan or help with preparation throughout the week.
- Exercise—Most older folks can’t exercise as rigorously as they used to. Encourage your parents to engage in light activities like walking, yoga, or water aerobics. These exercises are gentle yet effective for staying active.
- Mental Health—Encourage your parents to regularly interact with friends, neighbors, and other family members. Whenever possible, help them travel to community events or maintain their hobbies.
Explore Technology and Assistive Devices
Senior care looks a lot different than it did 30 years ago! Today, we have several different technologies and assistive devices that make life safer and easier for seniors. Implementing them can also make a big difference in caregiver stress management! Here are a few technologies and devices to consider for your parents:
- Medical alert systems, such as Life Alert, that enable immediate help in emergencies.
- Health apps that track prescriptions, daily exercise, and nutrition.
- Smart home technology that can assist with everyday tasks like turning off the lights or managing appliances.
- Standard assistive devices, like canes and walkers.
- Advanced assistive technology, like stair lifts.
Build a Support Network
You don’t have to do this alone! Connecting with others who understand your concerns is an excellent way to reduce stress about your parents’ well-being. You can expand your network by delegating tasks to other family members, using community resources like meal delivery, and joining caregiving support networks. But perhaps the best way to grow your support network is to reach out to BrightStar Care of Barrington & McHenry County. We offer a variety of family caregiving assistance in McHenry County, including companion care and skilled nursing. Whatever your circumstances, we’re here to minimize your concerns about your loved ones’ care.
Prioritize Your Own Well-Being
While we’re mentioning this tip last, it’s far from the least important—always take time to care for yourself. Caregiving is a hard job, especially when you’re dealing with anxiety and worry. But you should never compromise your own well-being to care for someone else. Burnout benefits no one, and taking a break once in a while may actually make you a better caregiver in the long term. Try these simple ways to prioritize self-care every day:
- Engage in exercise, hobbies, or meditation
- Seek therapy if you notice any signs of burnout (i.e., fatigue, irritability)
- Set boundaries and avoid overcommitting yourself
- Visit with friends and family, and talk about things besides caregiving.