It’s not a really pleasant thing to think about – our parents ageing, needing more help and losing their independence. But it is something that happens to us all at some point. I personally find it helpful to have a plan in mind for how I want to help my parents, even though we’re not quite at that point yet. Your plan might include things like financial assistance, helping with errands, and potentially even arranging for a live in caregiver for them. No matter what support you choose to give, being clear about what ways you’re able to help and discussing it with your siblings in advance can make the entire process much smoother and less stressful for everyone involved.
1. Home Maintenance
If your parents don’t have a comfortable retirement fund, keeping up with their home maintenance may become financially difficult for them as they age. There are plenty of things that can be done to a home to make it more comfortable for them to live in, such as installing a stairlift, or redoing their windows to keep the heat in during the winter months. Perhaps you’re concerned about their pipes freezing over during the cold snaps, you can click here to learn more about how to prevent this issue and when it’s time to bite the bullet and replace the pipes. Helping your parents with home maintenance can help ensure that they stay as healthy as possible in a comfortable home.
2. Nursing Care
Depending on how close you are to your parents, you might want to help out with their every day needs as you can. If you live in a different State, or find yourself low on time, it may be better to look into the option of hired home help or a live in caregiver. As your parents age further, it might be worth having them move in with you to keep them safe, or to find them an assisted living home where they can have the support they need. When it’s time for them to move, it is worth investing in a company like Mybekins.com to help make the actual physical process easier, especially as they’ll likely be unable to help much.
3. Food Delivery
Why not make a little extra of whatever you’re cooking and drop it off to them, or freeze it and give them some freezer meals. Finances can get tight when you’re living off your pension, so helping out with food can make a big difference to your parent’s finances and comfort levels too. You can even set up a regular grocery delivery service to their house, so that you know they’re having enough groceries. Why not regularly invite them over for a family meal at your house, chances are it will be the highlight of their week.
4. Family Trip Away
Why not invite them on a family trip away with you? If you have kids, it will be a wonderful way for your children to make some special memories with their grandparents. You also don’t know how much longer you’ll have with them, so it’s important for you to create those special memories too. Why not take a deck of cards and spend the evenings playing card games together around a fire somewhere.
Your parents cared for you as you were growing, and now it’s your opportunity to be able to repay them however you can and however you want to. Hopefully these tips inspire you with some special ways you can help your parents as they age.
