Caring for Elderly Parents: Overcoming Emotional and Physical Challenges

While caring for elderly parents can be fulfilling, it can also take a toll. About 50% of people surveyed said caregiving increased their level of emotional stress, according to an AARP study. Another 37% said it impacted their physical feelings of stress. 

The emotional and physical toll can cause burn-out, affecting your ability to care for a loved one. Before that happens, use these caregiving tips to navigate upcoming challenges. Learn how to be a better caregiver by taking care of yourself!

Understand Their Needs

Understanding your loved one's distinct needs will help you determine how to best care for them. You can request professional help or resources based on their physical, emotional, or financial concerns.

Physical needs may require help with:

• A chronic condition
• Mobility
• Adjusting their diet
• Comfort
• Attending check-ups
• Improving their strength
• Medication management

Emotionally, they may feel lonely or struggle with a mental health condition like depression. According to the World Health Organization, loneliness and social isolation are key risk factors for mental health conditions later in life. About 14% of adults ages 60 and over have a mental disorder.

Planning social engagements, visits from family members, or having a pet may reduce their feelings of isolation. You can find engaging senior care activities at your local senior living community. Meeting and spending time with other seniors may improve your loved one's mood and quality of life.

Perhaps your loved one struggles with dementia. Asking them questions or discussing past events may ease their confusion.

While caring for an elderly parent, you may need to organize their financial documents or review their healthcare directives. Consulting a lawyer may help ease the stress of navigating these documents. 

Talk to your loved one about their needs. Check in regularly in case those needs change. Staying on the same page will help you avoid stressful conversations or miscommunication. 

Emotional Challenges of Senior Care

Providing family assistance as a caregiver can become emotionally challenging. You may experience conflicting emotions, such as sadness and anger, about changes to a loved one's behavior or health.

Acknowledge and address these emotions, even when they're overwhelming. Bottling it up can lead to stress, burnout, or an unintentional outburst later.

Try to communicate with your loved one honestly about your feelings. Open communication will help you build a stronger bond.

When communicating with elderly parents:

• Be patient
• Listen carefully and consider their needs
• Be respectful
• Use positive language to promote calmness
• Use clear and concise language
• Get to the point

Caring for elderly parents can cause feelings of guilt and resentment. You may feel that you're:

• Not doing enough
• Feeling limited
• Making the wrong decisions

Practice self-compassion when you experience guilt. Don't be too hard on yourself.

You can use a journal to navigate these emotional challenges. Writing down your thoughts can provide clarity. You can identify triggers that cause you to feel guilty.

Try to set realistic expectations for yourself. Over time, you may recognize you need help providing elderly support. Consider turning to family members or exploring senior living options instead of taking it all on alone. 

Physical Challenges of Elderly Support

While providing senior care, you may need to:

• Deal with elderly incontinence
• Clean their living environment
• Help them bathe
• Exercise

These tasks can have a physical toll. Plan ahead to navigate these situations.

For example, you can keep absorbent products like protective underwear and liners on hand. Your loved one won't feel as stressed about leaks. Help them manage their symptoms by reducing their caffeine intake.

Encourage them to wear clothing that's easy to get into and out of. Try to maintain a respectful attitude to preserve their dignity during these situations.

Helping your loved one maintain a clean environment can benefit their comfort and health. Use odor-neutralizing sprays and air purifiers to keep their space fresh. Keep up with laundry and tackle sheets affected by incontinence using baking soda or vinegar.

Watch online videos for gentle bed exercises to help your loved one maintain their:

• Strength
• Flexibility
• Circulation

Keeping them active can ease discomfort and boost their mood. Encourage them to explore a senior living community's wellness program for more options.

Build a Support Network

You don't have to apply these caregiving tips alone. Instead, build a support system that includes:

• Family
• Friends
• Other caregivers
• Medical professionals

Involving other family members will help you lighten the load. Delegate tasks to remain organized and efficient.

Create a document to provide a backup caregiver in case you're unavailable. This document should include a list of medications, including the:

• Name
• Dosage
• Frequency

Use a pill organizer to ensure your loved one takes the right medication at the right time. Keep an online calendar with medical appointments (including the time, date, and location) up to date.

Healthcare professionals and home care agencies can direct you to resources and provide guidance. Rely on their expertise to avoid physical and emotional burnout. 

Remain Flexible

Your loved one's needs may change over time. Remain flexible to adapt to their evolving needs.

If you need additional family assistance, explore your local respite or other senior living options. Find a community that offers personalized services. They'll develop a plan that aligns with your loved one's needs.

Prioritize Self-Care

Avoid physical and emotional burnout by taking time for yourself. Otherwise, you may struggle to meet your elderly parent's needs. 

To better manage caregiver stress and avoid burnout:

• Take breaks
• Ask for family assistance
• Manage your emotions
• Stay organized
• Get enough sleep
• Exercise
• Eat a healthy diet

If you're unsure how to navigate an emotional or physical challenge, turn to your support group. Leverage their expertise to make an informed, effective change. Caring for elderly parents can feel daunting if you're doing it alone. Instead, consider requesting help from senior living professionals.