The Grown Up Guide To Keeping Your Parents Safe Without Losing Your Mind

As a grown-up, you don’t often think about the days when the roles are reversed, and you’re the one caring for your parent.

However, the reality of that is something that happens for most people, unless there are situations where round-the-clock care is required. Even then, you’ll need to have oversight on what’s going on in this situation.

If you’re looking for guidance and want to ensure your parents are safe, then here are some tips on keeping them safe without losing your mind.

Assess and communicate

First and foremost, take a look at your parents’ needs. Is it something that needs your immediate support, or could they have their independence for longer without needing to intervene?

Paying attention to any subtle changes in behavior and talking openly about their wishes and thoughts towards care as they get older is important. Think about how you could look at enhancing their living situations and lifestyle in general when it comes to the point at which they need it.

Transparency, early conversations, and communication in general are all important when it comes to keeping your parents safe, while also being respectful of their autonomy and life in general. 

Introduce practical safety measures and support

Conducting a safety audit of their home helps to identify any potential hazards. Simple modifications of the home can often have a huge impact, even though it can be a change for your parents. Consider suggesting the following:

• Install grab bars and handrails in areas of the home, like the bathroom or hallway.
• Ensure optimal lighting around the home and nightlights for common pathways.
• Remove loose rugs or secure them so they’re not tripping hazards.
• Consider a personal medical alert system, Life Assure medical alert systems for seniors, free Canada where it’s required. 

Protect your own well-being 

Protecting your own well-being is important when it comes to looking after yourself. If you’re not looking after yourself, then you can’t always offer the very best to those you’re trying to look after.

Think about how you could automate and organize your efforts to make it easier on yourself. Use technology and smart planning to help with streamlining tasks. From voice assistants to auto-payment for bills, there’s a lot that can help.

Setting some clear boundaries is important to establish realistic expectations over what you can and can’t do. Think about building a support network so that you don’t have to do it all alone. From the siblings to friends and other family members.

Think about utilizing respite care if and when it’s needed and handle any legal matters proactively. Consulting a financial advisor or elder law attorney to ensure any important documents are in place. 

Keeping your parents safe without losing your mind is definitely something that can be done properly while still holding on to your own well-being and life in general. There are many ways in which you can help your parents as they get older while still being the child in the relationship – even if you’re now an adult.