BESTCITYTRIPS
Change can be difficult for anyone who doesn’t want to experience it, but also for the people that do. It can be nice to feel comfortable, know what’s around the corner and to have something that feels reliable. However, life doesn’t always work out as planned and things can blindsight you if there has been no preparation for them.
This can happen in particular to seniors, who may have a sudden change in health or circumstances, and this can be a difficult pill to swallow. If you’re facing something similar with your elderly parents now and some changes need to be implemented, then this piece is for you. It will take a look at how you can help your parents to prepare for change, and to ease them into this next chapter of their life.
Understand Their New Needs
Understanding your parent’s new needs and what adaptations need to be made is the first step in preparing everyone for the changes. Some of the more common issues that can arise with elderly parents include reduced mobility, a change in capacity for taking care of themselves, and other problems such as memory loss and confusion.
Different problems will require different solutions, and you might find that there’s a mix of issues that need to be addressed. If this is the case, then it’s important that everything is covered in the plan so that you can move forward.
Have the Conversations You Need To
Your elderly parents are more than likely to be apprehensive about their situation. Not only are they having to deal with changes to their person, but they’ll also have to prepare for the outside support to help them.
First and foremost, listening to them is the most important thing you can do. They deserve to know and feel that they have an advocate, and that they have someone they can voice their concerns to. Some people will be more averse to change than others, so it’s worth bearing that in mind.
Discussing their options for support, such as moving into an assisted living facility in Princeton, New Jersey, or having in-home care, can help prepare them for the change that’s coming up. Going through what these changes can entail with them can give them time to get their head around some of it.
Reassure Them and Stay Positive
Some parents will need a lot of reassurance and reminders of the positive aspects of changes such as these. It can be a scary time. They may feel helpless, concerned, agitated, and anxious. Letting your parents know that you’ll be with them every step of the way can help mitigate some of these feelings, and pointing out the positives that come with these changes may even spark excitement.
Changes to your life when you’re older don’t have to be as frightening when you have the right consistent support and love, so providing this for your parents can make the world of difference.
