3 Ways To Help Elderly Parents Live With Dignity

Most elderly parents start developing a feeling of deficiency; they feel that they have lost their freedom and independence and not capable of looking after themselves. It is also significant to note that many would love to live a life of dignity and have an identity of their own that is different from their children and grandchildren. There are 3 ways in which we can help our elderly parents live with dignity.

The ways to help elderly parents live with dignity are:

1) Some elderly parents may view moving in with grown up children or to an old age home as a humiliating setback; we need not force them into a decision they do not like. We, as their independent children can move closer to them by shifting our residence; in this way we could help them enjoy a certain amount of independence, at the same time we could be at peace of mind and help them when they need your support and help. 

2) Do not baby your elderly parents or take over their lives by telling them what to do; unless they are suffering from a debilitating disease like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. It is easy to mother elderly parents, but it robs them of their dignity and makes them feel helpless and diffident. It is very important to listen to the wishes of parents until they can look after themselves and not impose your views with arranging for extra help to look after them.

3) Old age and its loneliness are not easy for many elderly parents; it would be good if we as their independent children can help them keep engaged and entertained. This is especially necessary for elderly parents that do not require extra help for cooking, cleaning and personal care and wish to not take help from their children and grandchildren for their emotional, mental and physical well-being. You could talk to your parents if they want to improve their social life and then suggest support groups and clubs. You could then try to get them involved with support groups and clubs for senior citizens; they would get a chance to mix up with their peer group, read interesting books and magazines, and get a chance to make friends with someone else other than their children and grandchildren.

Most of us when young do not realize how painful and lonely it is to be a senior citizen; we as their children owe a duty to them to make them live a life of dignity though they may have their own weaknesses. It is our duty to not only make them feel that they are still respected and capable, but we also need to make them feel their life is worth living. Don’t we all also want to live an old age with self esteem and confidence?