5 Things To Do When Aging Parents Need Help

Son Teaching Aging Dad How To Use Laptop Sitting IndoorWe usually focus on our own health and fitness, but a growing reality for many people is the concern for the health and wellbeing of their parents. Realistically speaking, seeing your parents age can be one of the most challenging things that require your acceptance. Although you can’t do anything about aging, being there for them can make their old life more meaningful and worth living. Your parents might not say anything, but as they reach the end of their journey, it’s time they need assistance, care, and support from you as their child.

But how are you going to assist them? Well, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn the five things to do when aging parents need help.

Understand Aging Issues

Having no idea what to do when your aging parents require help can be challenging, especially if they tend to manifest more often. Although you don’t need to be an expert in geriatrics, it’s essential to understand the common problems associated with aging. It will enable you to provide them with better care and support.


Generally, some aging issues you should learn about may include confusion, incontinence, memory loss, and other similar conditions. If you’re unfamiliar with these problems, you can conduct research online or talk to your parents’ physicians so they can guide you on what to do as specific aging issues become apparent.

Identify Your Aging Parents’ Needs

It’s also essential to determine your aging parents’ needs when they require assistance. You can’t probably help them if you don’t know what you can do and how much support they need in their daily lives. So, you have to consider some key areas to understand their needs. These include family support, home safety, medical requirements, personal hygiene, mobility, social interaction, meal preparation, and cognitive health.

If you want a better understanding of your aging parents’ needs, talking to them personally may be an excellent idea. Prepare a list of questions and ask them about the tasks they need assistance with. By doing this, you can figure out how you can help to make their lives more comfortable.

Shot of a woman helping her senior father out of the car.

Consider Some Aging Care Options

No matter how much you want to take care of your aging parents, there may be instances wherein doing so becomes impossible due to work and other personal priorities. In that case, exploring some available aging care options may be a good idea when your parents need help. For example, if your parents can’t live independently or need round-the-clock assistance, senior living communities like Vivante Living or similar services can be a perfect option. They have amenities and services that help provide the level of care your aging parents need.


On the other hand, if you want your parents to stay home, seeking in-home caregiver help can be the best choice. The caregiver can go to their home and provide the assistance they need, especially in performing their daily tasks. This way, you won’t worry about finding someone to look after them even though you’re busy at work or doing your other commitments daily.

Plan The Finances

Taking care of aging parents requires considerable money to cover the necessary expenses. As they age, you’ll likely have to deal with expensive medical bills and the potential cost of hiring caregivers or placing them in an assisted living facility. If you decide to keep them at home, you need to cover the expenses related to caregiving supplies and home safety upgrades.

For this reason, it’s best to plan your finances to know whether you have enough money to pay for the care they need. If you don’t have it, you can seek financial help from Medicaid and other government programs. That way, you’re financially ready when your aging parents need assistance.

Look After Your Parents

You should always be there for your parents, no matter how difficult it is. You need to show your support at this point in their lives, wherein they age and become incapable of doing many things.

You can do it by looking after them from time to time. For example, you can spare some time to assist your parents with their routine daily tasks. These can include accompanying them to their medical appointments, helping them with their weekly groceries, taking them out for short daily walks, and providing assistance whenever needed.

By doing these things, you can show your aging parents that you care as they begin to face the end of their journey.


Nothing is more important than caring for your aging parents when they are old. But there are many things to consider to ensure you can provide them with the best care they need. Failure to address these things can make the whole caring job more stressful.

It has been recognised the physical fitness is linked to mental health, and also helps people live longer and more independent lives, so it is important to encourage aging parents to keep active for as long as possible, if you can. Read 7 Reasons Why Seniors Should Stay Active and Work Out.

Fortunately, assisting your aging parents doesn’t have to be difficult if you keep the information mentioned above. By following these tips, you’ll have an easier time navigating the whole situation without compromising their comfort, safety, and other personal needs.

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