Many people are so busy with day-to-day schedules that taking time off work to be with their aging parents is difficult.
You can be productive at work while still giving your aging parents the care and attention you would love to give.
Isolation, loneliness, and boredom are the most common issues among elderly people. It may be compounded by difficulties with mobility. The inability to drive as much as they used to, could compound the loneliness they feel on a daily basis. Worse still, they see their friends passing away. There are fewer opportunities to make friends and get involved in social engagements, adding to the reason why many older parents tend to stay at home.
Caring for aging parents may be a top priority for their children. Even when you employ the services of a caregiver to take care of your parent, there is still the possibility of lack of satisfaction, entertainment, or fun. Your parents might not have any social connections with the caregiver other than cleanliness in the house. These are some of the issues you should think about when considering your parents—even if you are the busiest person in the world.
Many family members don’t live close to their elderly parents. Being alone, seniors look for ways to alleviate the boredom.
Aging parents are often left in a vulnerable position and their adult children need to take action to correct this. So, as an adult child, what can you do to protect your parents from boredom and the unfortunately realistic possibility of being scammed? Here is some advice you can use to stay closer to your aging parents and ensure that they get enough care.
1. Maintain frequent contact
There is nothing holding you back from reaching out to your parents on a regular basis. Technology has even made it possible for you to see their faces even when you are not right there with them. You might be used to calling mom or dad once a week or twice a month. Create the time if you have a busy schedule.
You can call your parents in the morning before going to work, call them after work hours.
You should do even more if any of them has lost a significant other. Losing a significant other means there is a greater risk of depression. Your everyday call will help. Your parents will even make your call a part of their daily ‘to-do list’.
2. Visit your parents more often
You are the only one who knows how frequently you visit your parents. No matter the number of times you visit, you have to make an increase in that number. Despite the benefits of modern technology, there is no technology or amount of calls that can substitute for an in-person visit.
It is not only good for you to see how your parents are faring; it is also good for them to physically see your face. You might have a difficulty in visiting them as often as you would like as a result of distance.
However, you can still schedule quality time for them using video call platforms like Skype or other mobile applications via video calls. Also, set aside that date only for visiting them.
3. Encourage your parents to visit community social gatherings
If your parents live in a gated community or suburban areas, there are likely to be social gatherings and resources in the community they live. You can encourage them to join these events. This can help reduce the worry of your parent’s well-being. It will also provide them with the social connections they need to think less about their own situation.
4. Step out with your arents
Once in awhile if they like, taking them to the cinema, out to dinner or shopping. Aside from taking your parents out to these entertainment venues in the city perhaps you can also sometimes take them with you on your vacation.
5. Teach your parents how to use modern technology
There are two reasons why this is important. One, it helps you maintain connection with them on a regular basis.
Many aging parents are not used to the modern technologies that are now used in the 21st century. With the help of technology (eg. skype), you can stay connected with them even when you are very busy.
The second reason why you need to teach them how to use modern technology is for their own benefit. Even most young adults and teens can’t log off social media without getting bored.
It is remarkable what social media has done to this generation.
You can teach them how to register on major social networks.
They may reconnect with some old friends on any of these social media platforms. More interestingly, they can watch videos online and check other posts.
There is no limit to what they can do with modern technology. They will even be intrigued by the possibility of technology and will want to explore more.
It is left to individuals to choose how much time they are ready to sacrifice for their aging parents. Aging parents need the attention of their adult children.
They will be happier, safer, and get all the health care they need if you take the time out of your tight work schedule to be with them. As you can see, there are many simple things you could do. You might not be able to become a full-time caregiver—but just do something to make them happy. They once gave you their love and attention. Its time we pay it back.