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Caring for an Aging Parent

bathroom hand rails on bathtub

Your parents have been there for you for a long time. They have been your “rock,” and other family members have come to rely on them. But now you notice that they cannot do things as they used to, and this can be concerning and stressful.

Over time, you may become a family caregiver to your parents, which can be an emotional experience. But even if your senior parents have become a little unsteady on their feet or have been diagnosed with an illness, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have to lose their independence completely. There are many products and services that can help your senior loved one continue living as comfortably and independently as possible.

Mobility Aids

One of the biggest keys to your senior loved one remaining independent is their ability to get around safely. While some seniors may be a little unsteady and fear falling, others may have difficulty walking at all. Fortunately, there are a wide range of mobility aids available which can be selected based on the individual’s level of ability, from canes, walkers and rollators to manual and motorized wheelchairs and scooters.

As a family caregiver, if you notice that your loved one is having trouble getting around, you can have them get an assessment to determine the mobility device that would best suit their needs.

Bathroom Safety

Since many falls happen in the bathroom, bathroom safety can be of particular concern for family caregivers. And yet, if your parent still can bathe themselves and manage much of their own personal care, you don’t want to take that away from them.

One solution to this dilemma is to ensure that their bathroom is equipped with the appropriate safety features. This could be as simple as installing safety bars next to the toilet and in the shower for your parent to hold on to or having them use a shower seat.

For those with more significant mobility challenges, you could even have their bathtub converted into a walk-in or roll-in bathtub.

Support for Yourself

Sometimes – oftentimes in fact – family caregivers become so focused on the person that they are caring for, they forget to care for themselves. This can lead to stress and burnout, which isn’t good for you or the person you are caring for.

If your parent has been diagnosed with a specific illness or health condition, joining a support group where you can learn about the condition and connect with others going through the same thing can really help to support your own mental health.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help either. Whether you are asking a trusted friend or neighbour to look in on your parent or hiring a professional home care worker to come in on an occasional basis, that extra bit of help can do wonders for your aging parent’s health as well your own!

Contact Brant Arts Mobility today!

Do you require help in selected mobility, safety, and other medical devices to help your aging parent retain their independence and comfort? If so, contact us today, and a member of our team would be happy to help you select the appropriate products.

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