There is no way to get around the fact that everyone ages, and at some point in time, your parents may no longer be able to live on their own. Sure, there are options for outside care, but it may be in their best interest to move in with family. As you are planning for your parent’s future, consider taking care of your aging parent. It may be easier than you think. This post is written in partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, though all opinions are my own.
There may be benefits to your senior parent living in your home, including a greater bond that may be achieved between you and your parent, and even your children and your parent. My youngest son and my father-in-law are very close, and this is greatly due to the fact that he has lived with us for many years. He listens to his grandpa’s stories, seek advice, and generally has a great bond with him.
Taking care of an aging parent can be easier than you think
The good news is that if you’re taking care of an aging parent, you don’t have to just go at it alone. There are numerous services that Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield offer to make life easier for your parent. Whole-person health is how Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield provides high-quality, affordable healthcare services through Medicare Advantage plans to improve the health and well-being of our aging family members.
New service options are being offered by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield like nutrition support and education, and even things like service dog support and pest control. These new options are in addition to services that are already offered, like healthy food delivery, transportation services to health-related visits, adult day centers, personal home helpers, and alternative medicine/acupuncture. All of these services are options to help your aging parent and can play a huge role in reducing the burden on you, as their caregiver.
Engaging with their community is made easier through these services from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and helps to lower barriers to get these everyday health needs addressed.
These services can greatly help your parent as they age and can also aide in helping you to care for them. Through the nutrition support and food delivery services, you can ensure that your parent is getting the proper nutrition, without taking the time out of your busy schedule to prepare and cook a separate meal that meets their dietary restrictions. Transportation services to and from health care providers ensures that you don’t have to take off work to drive them back and forth. Personal home helpers can come in to assist with certain daily activities that you are not able to perform.
Why home is so important?
Home provides us with a place of centering, and helps to provide security, control and belonging; all things that are beneficial to your parent as they age.
How do I keep my elderly busy?
Your aging parent can do many things to stay busy. Reading or watching their favorite show on television are good activities to keep busy. Exploring hobbies, playing games, and exercising are other ways to keep busy. Spending time outdoors (weather permitting) is a great way to keep your parent busy and being surrounded by nature may be calming to them.
Do you see what I’m getting at here? Taking care of aging parents in your home can be so much easier than you think, and may help them to live a longer, happier life surrounded by their family.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
