Caring for an aging parent can take both a physical and emotional toll – but can also be incredibly rewarding. Knowing how to best prepare for and approach this situation will alleviate the stress you may be feeling.
Did you know…
- Seniors are projected to make up ¼ of the population by 2036 (Source: Globe & Mail)
- 23% of adults (ages 45-64) are caring for an aging adult (Source: Pew Research)
- Of those who are care-givers – 43% missed work, 15% cut down their hours, 10% passed a promotion (Source: Statistics Canada)
- 88% of adults say helping an aging parent is “rewarding” / 12 say its “stressful” (Source: Pew Research)
The Impact On Families
Aging can be difficult for everyone – emotionally, relationship-wise & financially!
- Emotionally:
- Adult children may feel: sadness, fear, guilt, exhaustion, frustrated, uncertainty, resentment
- Aging parents may feel: frustration, worry (to be cared “for”), helpless, controlled
- Relationship-wise
- MANY decisions need to get made which can cause a lot of conflict between adult siblings and aging parents (Ex. Who cares for their aging parents? / Ex. Is one sibling doing more of the work? / Ex. Who pays for the care?)
- Financially
- It can cause an enormous amount of financial stress and burden BOTH on adult children & aging parents
4 Tips On How To Prepare & Navigate
Tip #1: Talk Casually About Your Needs – EARLY!
- Start the conversation, if possible, when parents are healthy
- Ask them their needs / goals / desires
- Talk openly with siblings (so everyone is hearing the needs / desires together)
Tip #2: Assess Their Needs & Pay Attention
- When you go to their place, assess their needs / pay attention, to make sure they are taking good care of themselves!
- Assess 5 key areas: Home + Meals + Hygiene + Social Interaction + Mobility
Tip #3: Ask Their Opinion, Share & Discuss
- Ask them what are their needs & then share with them your thoughts
- Discuss TOGETHER to find solutions … do not take over! What is the best for EVERYONE (helps with the feelings of guilt/adult children and control / aging parents)!
Tip #4: Think Creatively For Support
- Think about ALL options for the next chapter!
- What is best for everyone?
- In-home caregiver | Hire drivers to take to appointments | Assisted Living Community | Live With You In Suite / Apartment / Room