This should be an honor, not a bother!. Review on Caring for Aging Parents

Caring for aging parent(s) is something that is happening more and more frequently, in the family home, rather than sending him or her to a retirement home or nursing home.

My mom passed away a year and a half ago and since then, I've had my dad living with me.

He could probably live by himself, but, he is quite forgetful and is prone to falling out of bed and forgetting to take his meds and forgetting to turn off the stove.  So to be on the safe side, he is living with me.

Caring for pops is something that I do with pleasure.  After all, he did take care of me for many years!(See my' letter to pops' review.)

Some things you do have to remember though, is that you must, at all times make mom or dad feel useful, wanted and loved.  Allow them to continue doing the things they love to do.

My pops loves to cook.(Everything may not be what I like, but it makes him happy.)  I buy the foods I like and allow him to prepare meals.(I also watch closely, to make sure the oven and stove are turned off.)  He also likes to go grocery shopping.  So, I make a running list.  At the beginning of the week I start a list of things we need.  At the end of the week he takes the list and shops.  I write down the brands and sizes we need to make it easier for him.

These little things make an aging parent feel useful.  The feeling of uselessness will send a person spiraling into depression.

Also, try to include your parent in some activities.  If you know dad likes the ballgame, what is so difficult about going to see a baseball game every now and then.  If you're going to a movie, think, and ask yourself, 'would dad(or mom) like to see the movie?'  This makes an older parent feel loved and wanted.

Don't forget to ask questions.  About anything!  Your parents will feel needed.  Get an opinion from an older person and you just might learn something.

And also, don't ever forget the 3 magic words.  I Love You.  What more can a parent care about even more than all the other things, other than the fact that you love him(her).  And that you say it .

Feel lucky to have an older parent to care for.  Some people would do anything to have mom or pop back, just for that honor!