It’s normal for loved ones to worry as we age. It’s nice to know that adult children, siblings, and friends want to make sure that you remain safe and healthy for many years to come, but it can also be annoying.
It isn’t uncommon for loved ones to try and push seniors to consider assisted living and other services before they are ready. If you’re tired of the loved ones in your life bugging you about what your plans are as you age, put their minds at ease with these tips.
Table of Contents
1. Have a Nursing Home Facility in Mind
img source: caitlin-morgan.com
You are probably planning to live independently for as long as possible. There’s nothing wrong with that! However, you may have loved ones who are looking to the future, wondering what’s going to happen when you aren’t able to live alone anymore.
You can make your loved ones feel better if you do all the research ahead of time regarding where you would like to end up and how you’re going to pay for it. Find a nursing home facility with caring employees, clean facilities, and professional post-acute and collaboration of care, as PatientPing notes. Assemble the funds you would use to pay for your stay, and even consider calling the facility to work out payment options so everything is all ready to go, should you have to move in.
Of course, make sure that you talk with your parent(s) before you opt for this solution. They should agree with you and do this willingly but there are some people who do not want to go to a nursing home no matter what.
2. Make Important Information Accessible
img source: chicagotribune.com
It’s normal to worry about what might happen after a loved one dies. The trouble is, it isn’t easy to talk about. Even if your loved ones worry about paying for a funeral or wonder how to manage your final expenses, they may not be brave enough to bring up the subject.
Clear the air and bring up the subject with them so there isn’t any confusion about your final wishes. Just make sure you’re ready for the conversation by collecting important paperwork and making sure it’s easily accessible in your home. From vital records to insurance policies and medical directives, your loved ones will really appreciate knowing everything is assembled and ready to go when you pass away.
For some people, this topic may be considered a bit taboo, but you should explain to your parents that organizing everything will make everyone’s life easier. You don’t want to find yourself buried in paperwork in the months to come just because discussing a particular topic wasn’t that pleasant for you.
3. Get Some Help
img source: workwave.com
It isn’t uncommon for adult children to believe their parents are stubborn. You may think you aren’t, but could you use some help around the house, even though you always say no?
You can really put your child’s mind at ease by accepting help when they offer it. If they want to come over and mow the yard or help with spring cleaning, let them! Not only will it be nice to have the help, but it will also be nice to spend time together.
You can also show them that you’re caring for yourself as you age by hiring help. There are a lot of home chores you can hire out for so you can remain independent in your home for as long as possible. They include:
- Window washing
- Laundry
- Deep cleaning
- Yardwork
- Home repairs
- Meal kits and meal delivery services
You shouldn’t feel embarrassed if you ask someone to come and provide assistance. People might feel as if they can still do certain things, but you need to accept that your body is no longer capable as it was in your 20s. Therefore, make sure to come to peace with your age and simply enjoy the benefits this time brings. Spending time with your family is the most important thing to do and don’t take that for granted.
4. Modify Your Home
img source: kohlerwalkinbath.com
There’s nothing to be ashamed of if you find that your balance isn’t the same as it used to be as you’re getting older. It’s not a bad idea to modify your home so that a slip and fall doesn’t land you in the hospital or the nursing home before it’s your time. It will put your loved ones’ minds at ease too!
Modifying your home includes doing things like securing rugs to the floor, installing handrails and handles in key areas, and lighting up hallways and stairs at night. Family members will feel even more at ease if you are willing to install a walk-in tub in the bathroom.
5. Stay Busy
img source: amarillotownclub.com
Physical abilities change drastically as we age, but so do our brains. Reassure loved ones that you’re thinking about preventing memory and cognitive decline by staying busy.
Staying busy might mean engaging in your favorite hobbies or trying something new. It might mean joining an exercise class or doing brain games before bed every night. It should definitely include spending plenty of time with friends and family. When you include your loved ones in your life and what you’re doing to stay sharp on a daily basis, they will worry a lot less.
There’s a lot of information on the internet about making sure mom and dad get help, but what about what you want? If you’ve got loved ones that are on your back about your plans for the upcoming years, follow these tips to put their mind at ease.
Conclusion
This short guide should help you come to terms with your aging parents and do all the necessary things to help them live their life carefreely.
