Research shows that of the 40.4 million people in the US who serve a role as an unpaid caregiver, 9 out of 10 of them are caring for an aging relative. As your parents get older, it can be a hard transition to learn how to provide them with the best possible care. You want to find a balance between helping them when they need it without being overbearing, and sometimes suggesting that they could use an electric mobility scooter for adults isn’t that easy.

Fortunately, we’re here to help guide you through the process while you learn the ropes.

Learn these tips on how to help aging parents live independently in their Mooresville home, while still giving them the support they need.

Get Their Feedback

As your parents start to get older, let them dictate what kind of help they need from you, instead of swooping in and taking over. If your parents are hesitant to ask directly for help, talk to them about ways you might be able to assist them. If you notice that they complain about something you can take off their plate, offer to do it for them.

Even if it takes a while for them to accept your help, they’ll start to realize that you’re there for them and that they’re not a burden on you. Of course, if they try to do something that’s outside the scope of their abilities, you might need to have a firm, but gentle conversation about how you can help. Generally speaking, however, let them be the ones to make decisions on the help they need.

Help Them to Maintain Their Social Life Around Mooresville

Studies show that social interaction helps to prevent cognitive decline as we get older. It’s important to help your parents maintain a healthy social life as they age, so they maintain their independence in a way that benefits their minds.

You can offer to drive them to social gatherings like church groups or community clubs if they have trouble driving themselves. You might also offer to organize a get-together with other relatives or their friend group around Mooresville, so they don’t have to do it themselves.

If they don’t have a core group of friends, encourage them to go to community events like lectures or senior workout classes so they can stay social in other ways.

Keep Them Involved in Day-to-Day Tasks

To help your parents remain independent, look for tasks that you can do with them instead of for them.

Let’s say, for example, that your aging parent is having a hard time cooking for themselves. Instead of taking over all the cooking tasks yourself, keep them involved. You can ask them to help you plan out meals and come shopping with you. When it’s time to cook, see if there are any tasks they can do, like peeling vegetables.

When you’re helping with other chores around the house, like dusting, have them choose the music that they want to listen to while you work. If they’re up for it, they may gather the cleaning supplies for you and put them away when you’re done. The more they can do daily tasks, the more independent they’ll feel.

Make Sure They Have What They Need to Feel Safe

As your parents get older, it’s natural to worry about their safety, especially if they live alone. Put their safety first by making home upgrades to help prevent accidents.

Bathrooms are notoriously dangerous for seniors, so make sure they have grab bars in the shower, so they’re less likely to slip and fall. If you notice that they’re having trouble walking, consider getting them a power wheelchair to make it easier for them to get around.

If you’re not always able to be with them, look into a safety alert system so they can get quick assistance in the event of an accident. Putting these safety measures in place can give you peace of mind and help them maintain a sense of independence.

Encourage Them to Exercise

Being active can help your aging parents stay in good health. Help them find safe outlets for exercise like senior exercise classes or workouts designed by a physical therapist from the Mooresville area. If you’re able to, go with them for regular walks when the weather is nice to help them stay fit.

Even a little movement goes a long way, so if they’re experiencing mobility issues, look for chair yoga videos online that don’t require as much effort.

Help Them Keep Their Brain Sharp

Mental health is just as important as physical health, especially in seniors. Encourage your parents to do memory work exercises to keep their brains healthy. You can also get large print crossword puzzles or Sudoku books to give them a fun challenge.

You can also exercise their brain while you spend time together by playing card games or working on jigsaw puzzles. Find out what they enjoy doing, then encourage them to continue it doing so they can help prevent cognitive issues down the line.

Always Be Respectful

It’s hard to admit to ourselves when we need help. As your parents get older, they may have a hard time coming to terms with the fact that they can’t do everything they used to do by themselves. While you may start to feel like your parent/child relationship roles are reversing, remember to still respect them as your parents.

While they may need your assistance now more than ever, they don’t need you to parent them. Keep in mind that this is probably as difficult for them as it is for you and give them the dignity and respect they deserve.

Help Your Aging Parents Live Their Best Lives in Mooresville

After reading through this guide, you should have a better understanding of what you can do to help your aging parents maintain a sense of independence. If you’re looking for ways to help them stay mobile as they get older, our team at Freedom Mobility Center, Inc. is here to help.

Contact us today to learn more about our wheelchair options and how to choose the right one for your parent.