Aging parents

By Mayo medical institution Staff

Adult children often serve as caregivers for aging parents. Are you prepared for the role?

Caregivers must monitor the health and independence of their aging parents. Start by evaluating the situation from a caregiver's perspective. Are your parents safe in their home? How well are your parents taking care of themselves? How are your parents' spirits? Are your parents having difficulty getting around? Talk with your parents if you have any concerns about their health or safety.

Caregivers must also be prepared for an emergency. Compile a list of your parents' doctors, allergies, medications, surgeries, insurance information and other important details. Discuss long-term care, living wills and advance directives.

Caregivers face many challenges. If necessary, seek help from other family members or local social service agencies.

May 14, 2019

See also

  1. Adult day service
  2. Aging parents: Warning signs
  3. Alzheimer's and end-of-life needs
  4. Alzheimer's sleep problems
  5. Alzheimer's and wandering
  6. Helping an Alzheimer's caregiver
  7. Alzheimer's: Moving day tips
  8. Alzheimer's and dementia care: 8 tips for doctor visits
  9. Alzheimer's and dementia care: How to ask for help
  10. Alzheimer's and dementia care: Making mealtimes easier
  11. Alzheimer's and daily tasks
  12. Caregiver depression
  13. Alzheimer's and dementia communication
  14. Alzheimer's and dementia: Tips for daily care
  15. Alzheimer's, dementia and driving
  16. Alzheimer's: Preserving memories
  17. Alzheimer's and long-term care options
  18. Alzheimer's and family conflict
  19. Alzheimer's and children
  20. Alzheimer's and holidays
  21. Can yoga help me keep caregiver stress in check?
  22. Caregiver stress
  23. Dementia caregiving: Dealing with the strain on your marriage
  24. Long-distance caregiving
  25. Overcoming resistance to care
  26. Alzheimer's elder care
  27. Home care services
  28. Home safety tips for Alzheimer's caregivers
  29. How can I cope with caregiver guilt?
  30. Living wills
  31. Long-term care planning
  32. Malnutrition and older adults
  33. Sharing Alzheimer's diagnosis