Are you caring for your elderly mother or father? Perhaps you are caring for both of them. If so, you probably are experiencing many different emotions. On the one hand, you are probably very grateful to have your parent or parents in your life still, and you are probably very grateful that you are in a position where you can be the main caregiver. On the other hand, you might be feeling a bit melancholy about the passage of time. After all, the time was when you were the one being cared for. From caring for your parents at your own home to finding an assisted living residence, here are some ideas that might help you as you care for elderly parents.

At Your Home - Have you been able to create a different living space for your parents? If so, you are more than likely grateful that there is privacy for everybody involved. If you don't have the space in your home to have a separate living area, at least try to arrange bedrooms in a way that will provide that feeling. For example, even if you have to just have one chest of drawers rather than two, consider having a setting where there are a couple of chairs and a small table to go with them. 

Obviously, it's not just the room set up that's important. A daily routine is also important. Consider having friends in to visit with your folks, especially if they are homebound. Think of how you can balance your time with your parents, too. Everybody needs some personal space, right? For example, if your parents enjoy watching old movies, that is something that they can do without you. If they enjoy board games, that is something you can do together. 

Assisted Living Home - The time might come when your folks would be better served by moving into an assisted living home. At first, this might be a very difficult transition for each of you. However, once you are familiar with what happens in an assisted living home, everybody will probably experience peace of mind. Besides the fact that there are trained professionals to monitor medications, there are fun advantages to living in a skilled nursing home. 

For example, there are almost always group activities in which your parents can participate. Things like crafts, Bingo games, movies, visiting musical groups, and other enjoyable activities will be part of your parent's everyday life. And, of course, you will always be welcome to visit, too. For more information, contact skilled nursing homes in your area.

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