It can be tough when roles change and you need to provide additional support for your ageing parents.  You get used to having them take care of you.  But there comes a time in life that the roles reverse.  My parents are in their seventies and as time passes I know they will need more help.  At the moment they are quite independent.  I want that to continue as long as possible for their sake and mine.

With the boys still requiring a lot of time I would find it difficult being stretched further to accommodate all my parent’s needs.  But I feel a tug of the heartstrings as I know my parents did everything they could to raise me and my brother well.  I feel I want to do the same for them.

I am already getting a plan in place, so they can continue to enjoy their independence.  They don’t want to be overprotected.  They still like their freedom and space.  You might find your ageing parents want to continue as normal even if they can’t quite manage like they used too.  Making a few small changes can make their life easier and ageing generally more tolerable.  My parents are perfectly capable individuals and they want to continue to do things their way.  Maybe just with a little additional help!  But not too much fuss as they are used to being in charge.

Modifications in their house

I am not sure my husband is ready for my parents to move in here.  So the first step would be to modify their house to make their life easier.  This would probably be my parents’ preference too, as my two boys are very loud (and slightly wild!) so they would favour continuing living in their own much more peaceful and familiar home.

Assistance Technology

When you are thinking of assistance technology stairlifts can really help.  They can make all the difference to older people with limited mobility.  My dad isn’t as steady on his legs as he used to be.  I would feel a lot happier knowing he didn’t have to navigate the stairs.

Changing the layout of the furniture

It’s worthwhile looking at each room and seeing if the furniture could be re-arranged so its generally safer for your ageing parents.  Keep walkways clear so they have less trip hazards.  But be sensitive to their feelings when you go about this, don’t just arrive in their house and make changes without their permission.

Buy Pillboxes

These are a must so your ageing parents can keep an easy check of their medication.  When I was away with my parents in Orlando I was surprised by just how many tablets they take these days.  Having a pillbox stops them getting into a muddle.

Set up home deliveries

If you don’t live close to your parents then it can be hard to pop in and check on them with any regularity.  You might want to make them some meals, but you live too far away.  Instead you could set up a meal delivery service.  Especially if they have started neglecting their nutritional needs or you are worried they are getting forgetful and leaving pans to burn.

No-one likes to think about the problems we face as we get older but it is worthwhile preparing yourself, having a frank chat with your parents and finding ways to support them that they are happy with.  Don’t feel like you have to tackle this alone, you can also see what help is available.