The 5 Things Your Parents Need to Age Comfortably

As your parents start getting older, their needs will inevitably start to change. Some seniors prefer to stay in the comfort of their own homes as they age rather than be moved into a care facility. 

As their child, you’ll play a major role in helping them achieve this. What will your parents need to feel comfortable and still be safe as they enter their golden years? Here are five things to think about. 

Support for Their Health

As your parents age, caring for their physical health will become more and more important. Seniors will often need essential medical and daily living assistance that you won’t be able to provide for them on your own. 

In these cases, looking into support from centers like Visiting Angels Kennewick – Senior Home Care Providers in Richland offers tailored care solutions that help seniors maintain their health and independence, ensuring comfort as their needs evolve.

A Safe and Accessible Home

If your parents want to age comfortably in their own home, some changes will inevitably need to be made. You can help your parents out by assisting them with some home modifications. 

These might include adding upgrades to the bathroom in the form of raised toilet seats, handrails for grip, and non-slip floors. You can also improve the safety and functionality of the kitchen with lower countertops, pull-out shelves, and more accessible cabinets. Other general modifications might include ramps or stair lifts and removing rugs that they might trip over. 

Easy Nutrition

Proper nutrition is essential for an aging adult, but they might not have the energy or ability to prepare daily nourishing meals for themselves. You can help your parents by taking care of their nutrition for them.

There are loads of different ways you could do this. You might spend some time each week or month prepping fresh meals for them to keep in their freezer. Alternatively, you could help them get set up with a healthy meal delivery service or even have them over for dinner on a regular basis. 

Physical and Mental Stimulation

Being able to live independently is important for many seniors. However, isolation can lead to a significant reduction in physical activity as well as mental exercise. Try to help your parents by encouraging them to stay on the ball. 

Set them up with a light exercise routine that involves walking and stretching, and check in on them regularly. Encouraging hobbies like gardening, crocheting, or crossword puzzles can also help keep their brains sharp. 

Mental Health Care

Finally, keep in mind that one of the most significant challenges older adults face is that of their mental health. Aging can bring a lot of changes that can be difficult to process, leading to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and even dementia and psychosis. 

It’s important that you’re able to recognize the signs and help your parents with any psychological and emotional issues they may be facing. Offering a shoulder to cry on and suggesting therapy or medical intervention when it’s needed will be helpful.