Finding ways to appropriately and compassionately care for an aging relative is a common struggle that many people will face during their lifetime. 

After all, you’ll always want to do what is best for those you love, which often requires you to make difficult decisions. Furthermore, it is also important that you take care of your own physical and mental health during this time.

Photo by Josh Appel on Unsplash

Here are some useful tips that may come in handy when caring for an aging relative or loved one.

Talk to them about their wishes. 

It is important to speak to your loved one about their wishes or desires to provide them with the best possible care. Failing to do so could make them feel infantilized or ignored. 

For example, they may want to age in place rather than move into a care facility. This will allow them to spend their time in an environment where they feel safe and comfortable. Of course, you may need to make certain accommodations for this to be possible, such as modifying their home to make it more disability-friendly or hiring a carer to visit them a few times a day. 

Help them maintain strong social connections. 

According to a recent study, one-third of Americans will experience social isolation in the latter years of their lives. This is linked to numerous healthcare struggles, such as anxiety and low mood. It is also closely linked to the swift onset of Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

As such, you must help your loved one maintain strong social connections. This does not mean that you have to give up all of your free time (as meeting your own needs is still important), but you should be sure that you catch up with them as often as you can. Remember, a quick phone call can make a real difference.

You should also encourage them to participate in social activities, such as by joining local senior groups to connect with like-minded individuals. 

Build an ADU. 

If you want your loved one to live a little closer to home but have limited space in your actual house, consider building an ADU (Additional Dwelling Unit) on your property. This is also beneficial in that it allows your loved one to maintain some of their independence and agency, as they still have their own space and can enjoy some privacy when they need it.

You can find out more about ADU solutions here. While they serve as the perfect living space for an aging loved one, they also add significant value to your property, which is great news for those looking to move house in the future.

Accompany them to healthcare appointments. 

The older we get, the more complex our healthcare needs become. This can sometimes be a challenge to stay on top of, especially if you are dealing with multiple complications at once. Attending your loved ones’ medical appointments with them can be incredibly beneficial in this regard, as you’ll be able to provide them with the support they need to thrive.