Disability in the aging population is often met with a sense of permanence and helplessness. Seeing your parent as unable to care for themselves, especially if they’re unable to perform the Activities of Daily Living, can prompt serious concerns and conversations about continuing care in a facility.
If you have a disabled parent, you should know that your options are far more open. They can continue to live full, happy lives in their own homes; here are 3 important ways to help your disabled parent to live better.
Find a Great In-Home Care Provider
Your parent doesn’t want to leave their own home, but they need extensive assistance and help throughout the day. Your peace of mind depends on knowing someone is there for them, to help them make their meals, complete household chores, and get around as they need to. They deserve to be well cared-for by someone who is invested in their well-being and trained to provide the highest level of care possible.
Bluebird Homecare can provide all of this and more.
Bluebird goes to great lengths to hire only the best caregivers, so you can rest assured that your parent is receiving the very best care and support throughout the day.
Help Them Re-Discover a Passion
Disability can breed depression, especially if your parent has only recently acquired their disability. It’s important to provide them with the support they need to continue their passions.
- Did your parent used to have a hobby that you’ve noticed they aren’t enjoying anymore?
- Have they expressed sadness or disillusionment over not being able to continue their hobbies?
- Have they expressed a desire to try something new or finish something they started a while ago?
If you’ve noticed your parent having trouble enjoying their hobbies or interests like they used to, lend a helping hand. Buy them new materials for knitting, a new cookbook if they love to cook, or a canvas and paints if art is their passion. One single purchase like this could be all the encouragement your parent needs to get back into their hobbies and start living better.
Help Them Stay Socially Connected
Disability can create loneliness and isolation; some of it is due to your parent’s limited mobility, and some of it may be due to the psychological factors that disability can create.
An important way to help a disabled parent feel vital and happy is to help them stay socially connected.
Encourage them to go out with friends, send cards and letters or use the Internet to stay in touch with loved ones.
Provide them with a method of transportation so they can reach lunch gatherings, book club outings or YMCA classes.
Whether you drop by once a week to give them a ride to church or you hire a trustworthy caregiver to coordinate their social schedules, you’ll be doing your disabled parent an invaluable service.
Isolation among seniors, especially those who are disabled, can create serious physical and mental repercussions. Show them that you care and that you’re willing to help them throughout the challenges presented as they age.
Looking for more information on in-home caregivers and packages for your disabled parent? Contact Bluebird Homecare today.