How to Deal With Senior Parents When You Are In Your 20s
While most of us still have parents who are in their prime, a few of us have parents in their 60’s and even 70’s. After all, with couples waiting till later in life to have kids, it’s making it an everyday reality that their children, who are young adults, now have to deal with them in their senior years. But when you are a graduate trying to find your place in the world, it can be a struggle to help out aging parents. Therefore, here are some tips to help you deal with senior parents in your 20s.
Keep in regular contact.
You might be far away from your parents. Many people stay in the town where they went to college, which can be miles from your hometown. But being so far away can be a struggle if your parents are in their senior years. After all, you worry if they are okay when you are in another city. Therefore, you should make sure you keep in regular contact. Please try to ring them twice a week to check how they are.
Speaking to them regularly can give them a boost, too. If you are concerned, it’s worth taking a neighbor’s number. That way, if you can’t get in touch, you can ask them to pop around and check if they are okay! And tell them they can ring you when they need to. After all, if they are lonely, it could help them to hear your familiar voice!
Look for some additional care.
Just because they are your parents doesn’t mean it’s all down on you. Your parents wouldn’t want you to take such a significant burden if they require extra care. Therefore, don’t be afraid to look into some additional considerations. It might be that you look into something like a senior companion program. They hire people of a similar age to your parents to care for them.
It might be a friendly chat, or they can help around the house. Or you might consider putting them into residential care or communities with assisted living. After all, if they can no longer cook and clean themselves, it can help them get the proper care to keep them safe and healthy.
Ask them what they need help with
Even though your parents are in their senior years, they still have a right to an opinion on their own life. Therefore, don’t try and take over their life and belittle them. You might end up offending them rather than helping them in the long run. Therefore, sit down with them and ask them what they need help with. If your parents are pretty proud, they might refuse any use. But they should open up if you explain you are worried and want what’s best for them. And even though it’s tough, ask about care in the future and their wishes for handling things. That way, you know exactly what to do if they deteriorate suddenly.
Remember that friends and family will be willing to help. Don’t take on the burden yourself when there is help out there!
