Tips For Adult Children In Dealing With Aging Parents In Clearwater

As a child, your parents provided protection and the love and support you needed to succeed in life. As they get older, the tables begin to turn, as they become more dependent on your help. If you are having difficulty adjusting to this new situation, know that you are not alone.

Questions and concerns about providing for and protecting aging parents are common. Our Clearwater elder law attorney understands what you are going through and provides tips to help you through the process.

‘Parenting’ Aging Loved Ones

No matter how old you are or what you achieve in your life, you may still feel like a child at heart when dealing with parents. You expect them to be there for you, providing love, encouragement, and support. However, as they get older, they require attention as well.

As older adults, they are more susceptible to illnesses, injuries, and chronic health conditions, and may need help performing what were once simple tasks. They may also suffer memory impairments and other cognitive declines.

The Family Caregiver Alliance warns that many people have difficulty coming to terms with the fact that their parents are getting older. The following tips can help you deal with changing roles in the parent-child relationship:

• Maintain open channels of communication.
• Be tactful in approaching sensitive topics, such as whether it is safe for them to continue driving or living alone.
• Be respectful of their wishes, even if you disagree.
• Honor your feelings, set priorities for yourself and your own family, and establish clear boundaries in caretaking duties.

Warning Signs An Aging Parent May Need Help 

Some aging parents have no problem communicating their needs and may even end up relying on you a bit too much. This is where having a clear understanding of the situation and establishing boundaries comes in.

However, there are many parents who do not want to ‘burden’ their children. As a result, they are likely to be less than honest about some of the struggles they face. The National Institute on Aging warns that in this type of situation, be alert for the following warning signs:

• Changes in their home: is it accessible, allowing them to prepare meals, bathe, and perform other vital tasks?
• Changes in their appearance and attitude: an angry, anxious, or depressed outlook and a disheveled appearance are warning signs of trouble.
• Changes in their health: are they having trouble getting around, frequently ill, accident-prone, or struggling in managing chronic health conditions? Are memory lapses more common?
• Changes in ability: do they have difficulty driving? Are they going out less or abandoning their favorite hobbies?

 Contact Our Clearwater Elder Law Attorney

Dealing with the reality that your parents are getting older is rarely easy. With over 44 years of experience serving families in our community, Clearwater elder law attorney William Rambaum can advise you on the steps needed to ensure they are protected and provided for properly. To request a confidential consultation, call or contact our office today.

Sources:

caregiver.org/resource/parenting-your-elderly-parents/

nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving/does-older-adult-your-life-need-help