If your senior parent has a mental health condition you can give them support even if you don’t live close by. Often adult children of senior parents who have a mental health condition feel guilty that they aren’t close enough to provide more support to their senior parent, especially if that parent is aging in their family home. But you don’t need to feel guilty. Even if you live far away or have other responsibilities that make it tough to spend as much time as you’d like with your senior loved one you can still support them by:
Getting In-Home Care
The best way to provide support to a parent with a mental health condition is to get in-home care for them. When your senior parent has in-home care you won’t need to worry about how they’re getting by from day to day. They will be safe at home with someone who sees them daily and can make sure they are eating, make sure the house is clean, help them get to medical appointments, make sure they get their medications, and help them in whatever way they need to live comfortably at home.
Regular Check Ins
A short daily phone call to your senior parent can mean the world to them and it will give you the peace of mind of knowing that they are ok. The phone calls don’t have to be long. Just a short five minute call at the same time each day will give your senior parent some routine and the joy of talking to you daily. And it will give you the reassurance that your senior loved one is doing ok on their own at home. If you notice any changes in a daily call that can be a cue to talk to their in-home care provider or their doctor.
Connecting With Neighbors
It’s a great idea to talk to your senior parent’s neighbors and ask them to let you know if your senior parent seems to be acting out of character. Often seniors will mask any symptoms or problems they’re having for their children but the neighbors may witness your senior loved one acting in ways that aren’t normal for them. The neighbors, many of whom your senior loved one may already know and feel comfortable with, can also check up on your senior parent to make sure they don’t need any help.
Talking To Their Doctor
Because it’s common for seniors to hide the symptoms of a mental illness or not talk about their condition it’s a good idea to stay in touch with your senior parent’s doctors. They can keep you informed about any progression of your parent’s condition or any concerns they are having when your senior loved one isn’t. And you can discuss any concerns that you have or any new symptoms you have noticed with them so that they can make any adjustments needed to your senior parent’s treatment.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Care in Fairfield, CT please contact the caring staff at Connecticut Nursing Services today. 203-730-2739
