Taking good care of parents

We need to consider it our duty to take care of our parents.. This is definitely possible and doable with the right intent. This is definitely a karmic duty of ours. 

Taking care of parents, especially as they age, involves a mix of emotional, physical, and practical support. We suggest the following:

1. Communication

• Talk Regularly: Keep open lines of communication to understand their needs, concerns, and preferences.

• Listen Actively: Show empathy and patience when they share their thoughts and feelings.

2. Health Care

• Regular Check-ups: Ensure they have regular medical check-ups and stay on top of any health issues.

• Medications: Help manage their medications, ensuring they take them as prescribed.

• Diet and Exercise: Encourage a balanced diet and regular exercise suitable for their age and health condition.

3. Safety

• Home Modifications: Make necessary modifications to their home to prevent falls and ensure safety, such as installing grab bars, improving lighting, and removing tripping hazards.

• Emergency Plan: Have a plan in place for emergencies, including knowing where important documents are and having emergency contacts readily available.

4. Daily Living

• Assistance with Activities: Help with daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, and personal care if needed.

• Transportation: Assist with transportation to medical appointments, social activities, and errands.

5. Emotional Support

• Spend Quality Time: Spend time with them, engaging in activities they enjoy to combat loneliness and isolation.

• Encourage Social Interaction: Help them stay connected with friends and family and participate in community activities.

6. Financial Management

• Budgeting: Assist with budgeting and managing their finances.

• Legal Matters: Ensure they have up-to-date legal documents in place like a will and property documents.

7. Professional Help

• Home Health Care: If necessary, consider hiring professional caregivers to assist with their daily needs.

• Senior Services: Look into local senior services that offer support such as meal delivery, transportation, and social programs.

8. Self-Care

• Set Boundaries: Ensure you take care of your own physical and emotional health. Set boundaries to prevent burnout. This is also necessary as you now take to take all the resposibility.

• Seek Support: Join support groups or seek counseling if needed to manage the stress and emotional toll of caregiving.

9. Technology

• Use Technology: Utilize technology such as medical alert systems, pill dispensers, and communication devices to make caregiving easier and more effective.

10. Legal and Financial Planning

• Planning : Ensure they do a lot of planning in advance..

• Estate Planning: Help with estate planning to manage their assets and wishes for the future.ce

Caring for parents can be challenging but also rewarding. It is important to  balance their needs with your own to maintain a healthy and supportive relationship.

This shall definitely make us feel good and make them feel comfortable too. Would we not feel bad if something avoidable happened as a result of our negligence? To avoid this, we must definitely make a plan of action that is doable and sustainable. It is definitely possible if we give this aspect enough importance as we need to. Let us begin doing so now without any delay.

By Jamuna Rangachari