How can you Help Your Parents with Everyday Tasks?

Most seniors want to avoid moving to a retirement home. It’s good to know that you can implement certain measures so that your parents can stay in their homes for as long as possible.

Homecare Assistance from the HSSC

The homecare support services provided by the HSSC could be the right solution for your parents. An attendant can visit your parents’ home to prepare meals, tend to their personal hygiene, do general housekeeping, etc.

Children’s Contributions

Children can also contribute, in one way or another, to supporting their parents on a daily basis. The presence of children can provide a feeling of safety for parents who are sometimes reluctant to have someone they don’t know managing aspects of their personal lives they consider to be private.

Here are 4 examples of ways in which you can assist your parents with specific tasks:

Helping Your Parents with Daily Tasks

 

We perform many different kinds of tasks in our daily lives. Whether it’s cooking meals, doing the dishes or cleaning up around the house, these chores are a big part of our lives.

When your parents have trouble leaning forward and moving around, these tasks become a real imposition. Help your parents out by thinking of them when you’re making yourself supper. Put aside a portion for them and give it to them the next day. Or even better: invite them over for supper!

Helping Your Parents with Their Finances

Your parents may ask you to manage their finances of their own accord because they are worried they won’t be able to keep track of their spending. By agreeing to do so, you will lift a large weight off their shoulders. A power of attorney will give you the authorization to manage their money.

Helping Your Parents with Their Appointments and Their Errands

By helping your parents when they have an appointment, you will make the trip much easier for them and they will feel safer with you by their side.
When you’re out grocery shopping, think of what your parents like to eat then set-up a monthly budget with them so you can buy them food.

Helping Your Parents Find a Senior’s Residence

Sometimes even after doing everything you could to keep your parents in their home, there are events that mark the time when they must transition from living at home to living in a residence. It is at that moment that our housing counsellors can play an active role in guiding you through your search. They are available to assist you in finding the residence that meets your criteria and your parents’ needs.

 

Other helpful links:

• How to manage the assets of a parent transitioning toward a senior’s home
  
• Balancing work and the role of caregiver