Caring for your parents these holidays
With the summer break just around the corner, there is lots to think about before going away - who is looking after the pets? Who is looking after the house? Who will collect the mail and water the plants?
However the most important thing that should not be overlooked is your elderly parents. Whether ageing parents are living on their own in their homes or in residential aged care, the holidays are a time when less people are around, facilities are short staffed, businesses can often shut down and this, coupled with their children being away can make for a very lonely time.
A recent study from the University of Michigan has looked at elderly and depression and recommends families should visit their older relatives three times a week to help prevent them from becoming depressed. It is important to ensure that there is some human interaction in your absence so that it doesn’t become a sad time of the year.
In addition, as independent as your parent may claim to be there is always the fear of something going wrong whilst you are still a plane ride away.
Careseekers has some tips to ensure that your parent is looked after when you are not home, so you can relax on holiday.
- Call regularly - Work out a time with your parent when they will be home and call at the same time every day. First thing in the morning is a great time.
- Arrange some meals to be delivered while you are away or make sure their fridge is fully stocked with basics
- Arrange for someone to pop in and say hi at least once or twice a week. It would be great if it’s someone they know but if no one is available you can always hire a carer to pop in, do some help around the house and make them a cup of tea.
To arrange some care for your parent while you are away contact The Care Team at Careseekers. There is no job too small for the carers on our site.
To become a care or support worker, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/carer
To find aged care services, please visit https://www.careseekers.com.au/services/aged-care-workers
To find disability support services, please visit https://www.careseekers.com.au/services/disability-support-workers
