Caring for an Elderly Loved One

People live longer than ever these days. And that’s great. But it presents those of us in middle age with some challenges we might not have expected.

Often it’s just a few years between when we see our youngest child off to college to the time when our aging parents need more attentive care. Those of us in our 50s and 60s face tough choices about what is best for our parents when they require assistance with daily tasks and medical care.

New research gives some clues about what we can do to make sure our parents are getting the care they need, so that they can enjoy a high quality of life for more years.

The study used occupational therapists to teach seniors how to perform daily tasks in a way that was easier for them. The therapists also reviewed the homes of each participant and made suggestions about modifications that would help each individual.

In addition, the participants also met with a physical therapist who worked with them on balance, how to fall safely, and how to recover after a fall.

The input from therapists provided many benefits including greater independence, the ability to remain at home rather than moving to an assisted living facility, longer life, and a higher quality of life. The overall cost of the therapist interventions was less than a thousand dollars—that’s quite a lot less than an assisted living situation would cost, and the end result is better, too.

If you have an aging parent who is starting to experience difficulty with day-to-day tasks, consider working with occupational and physical therapists to improve your parent’s situation. It can make a big difference and that’s good for both of you.

Stay well,
Danny Wallace