Helping your aging parents means navigating new and challenging issues. It’s crucial to recognize that they are also dealing with deep emotions, particularly the fear of losing their sense of freedom and confidence.
Regardless of your parents’ cognitive abilities and the resources at your disposal, consistent effort can help them maintain their confidence and pride. Additionally, caring for your mother or father is not only the right thing to do but also significant.
Read on to learn about the ways you can support your aging parents and boost their confidence!
What are some tips to help your aging parent maintain their confidence?
Here are a few ways you can help boost your aging parents’ confidence.
Don’t be negative.
Your tone and words towards your parents greatly influence their self-esteem, so you should maintain a compassionate tone. When addressing mistakes, refrain from solely focusing on their errors; instead, highlight the positive aspects of specific events. Negativity can strain your relationship with them and diminish your parent’s self-esteem.
It’s essential to distinguish between your desires and your parent’s needs. Often, we may wish for others to act according to what we perceive as best, even if it contradicts their own desires. Acknowledging that some aspects may remain unchanged can lead to greater peace, prompting us to adapt to the situation rather than expecting others to conform to our wishes.
Request your parents’ opinions and work with them.
When it comes to your aging parent’s care program and daily activities, prioritize their opinions and collaborate with their preferences. Involving your parents in the planning stages will boost their self-esteem and reduce the risk of various physical and mental health issues.
For example, whenever you’re planning a family activity such as game night, be sure to inquire about your aging parent’s favorite games and strive to incorporate as many of their preferences as possible. Encouraging elderly individuals to express their opinions freely not only reduces the risk of loneliness but also provides them with something to look forward to each week.
As your parents age, you’ll face many significant decisions, such as selecting the best living arrangement for them. It’s essential to involve your parents actively in the decision-making process. Rather than making decisions on behalf of your elderly loved ones, collaborate as a family. Providing support to your parents doesn’t entail treating them like children; they should always have a voice in decisions regarding their lifestyle and health.
If you’re unsure where to start or how to best care for your aging parents, and you aim to provide them with uncompromised care, consider visiting Emerest. With specialized programs available in each state, we cater to your unique needs.
Encourage daily exercise.
Slipping and falling is common among older adults, but this risk can be mitigated with adequate stamina and regular exercise. By engaging in consistent workouts, your parents can improve their balance, reducing the likelihood of slips and falls.
This doesn’t mean they should over-exercise. Encourage your parents to engage in activities such as swimming, leisurely walks, and appropriate weightlifting. These activities can enhance their physical abilities and promote bone health. Encouraging such pursuits can motivate your elderly loved ones to remain active in their golden years, reducing the risk of falls and boosting their self-esteem.
The elderly may lose interest in maintaining healthy habits, which can lead to severe health issues and difficulty in self-care. If your elderly relatives decline group sessions, consider private options. Several trainers offer in-home sessions, conducting workouts in your room or backyard. This is another effective method to help your parents enhance their confidence.
Make a deliberate effort to motivate your aging parents to stay active. Many gyms offer workout classes tailored for older adults, so check the schedule at your local gym to find a convenient time, location, and exercise class for your parents. Additionally, consider involving your parent’s friends who may also enjoy attending these classes together. Encourage them to engage with other seniors in their class to foster new friendships.
Make adjustments to your parents’ home.
Making changes or adjustments in the home can boost your aging parent’s confidence and enhance their safety.
Consider measures such as replacing rugs with non slip options, installing grab bars in the bathroom, or lowering kitchen cabinets for easier access. If you’re unsure about what adjustments to make, reach out to your parent’s primary care doctor for guidance on home renovations that can enhance safety and reduce the risk of accidents or infections for the elderly. These modifications will promote comfortable navigation of the home and increase independence.
Conducting a thorough assessment of your parents’ residence can be immensely beneficial. Take note of any safety risks and discuss mobility and navigation within the space with your parents. If stairs pose a challenge, consider installing electric lifts or relocating their bedroom to the first floor to avoid stairs altogether. Ensuring your aging parent’s living space is as safe as possible enables them to move around the house independently, thereby boosting their confidence.
When aging parents feel good about themselves, they tend to enjoy their golden years and maintain their independence. Care needs vary from person to person, so not every parent requires or desires the same level or type of care.
Include Technology.
Older adults may initially be hesitant to learn about new technology, but many find enjoyment in using devices such as tablets and phones once they become familiar with them. Take the time to spend with your aging parents and teach them the basics of using phones and computers. Start with simple and short tasks, such as making calls, searching for information on the internet, and sending text messages. This foundational knowledge will enable your parents to connect with friends and family in new ways, as well as learn new things, stimulating their brain and memory.
Find mentally stimulating activities.
Maintaining a strong mind can help older people remain independent throughout their lives. Ensure that your parents are consistently engaging in activities that promote their mental health. The key is to discover what they enjoy doing, whether it’s writing in a diary, painting, or playing their favorite game. Additionally, activities that combine physical activity with mental stimulation, such as dancing, can be beneficial. Dancing involves movement and learning, which can help with memory retention, particularly for those with dementia.
Conclusion
Feeling accomplished and valued can enhance longevity and contribute to a better quality of life. Therefore, it’s important to explore various ways to help your aging parents feel confident and appreciated.
The most sensible and practical approach is to view your role as guiding your parents on a journey, giving your best support instead of striving for a specific destination.
Assisting your aging parent through this stage of life is a significant and serious responsibility, regardless of your willingness to undertake it.
Keep in mind that you can only make certain aspects of the process perfect or even satisfactory for your parents. Often, despite your efforts, plans may only be partially successful.
You must look after them and strive to provide assistance to the best of your ability.
