Getting old is natural, but the human body also goes through major physical and mental changes. As our parents age, their health needs greater care due to a steady increase in their physical and mental illnesses. At such times, they deserve special care and attention. Timely support can help them remain independent and boost their quality of life. However, helping older parents may seem challenging. In addition to the health issues, there are adjustment issues because older parents are usually reluctant to make changes in their life or even accept help. Moreover, as a caregiver, you also need to manage your job and other family responsibilities. In addition to securing your parent’s future with robust health insurance, you must observe their diet and general well-being, among other things.
Common Indicators Requiring Your Attention
Let’s understand a few common health issues for older parents that might need your attention:
Health Issues
As your parents age, they are more likely to experience chronic medical issues. Some medical conditions may need simple home care, while others may require hospitalisation or regular hospital visits. Serious illnesses or certain chronic conditions, like heart disease, cancer or other surgeries, may lead to temporary mental decline and affect their ability to make appropriate decisions. At such times, you need to step in to provide medical assistance and family support to help them recover from an illness.
Lack of Energy
Feeling tired occasionally is normal among ageing parents. However, frequent tiredness and fatigue are not healthy and need immediate attention. Old age is not the only reason for lack of energy; it may also be a symptom of other underlying medical conditions like side effects of medical treatment or medication, anxiety, stress, depression, etc. You may want to take a closer look at your parent’s health if there are frequent signs of a lack of motivation and energy.
Memory Loss
Memory loss or cognitive impairment may lead to poor judgment and choices among older adults. Cognitive issues like forgetfulness are common among older parents. They may forget daily tasks, basic conversations, or even doctor’s appointments, medicines, etc. This could have severe consequences. Therefore, you may need to assist your parents with regular decision-making in their routine tasks to make their life easier.
Risk of Falling
Growing age is one of the significant risk factors for falls. If your parents tend to fall or if they struggle with basic body movements, they need close attention. This is especially necessary if you are at work or on vacation. Falling may lead to serious injuries, fractures, or even death. It is, therefore, wise to provide constant in-home care for older parents, especially if they are alone at home.
Changing Food Habits
A lack of good nutrition is an important issue that needs your attention during in-home care. If you have older parents at home, you must have noticed a shift in their eating, food-purchasing and storing habits. One of the most common symptoms among ageing parents is the loss of appetite and enthusiasm to cook fresh food. To boost their quality of life and increase longevity, you should monitor your parent’s nutrition intake or hire help that could prepare their meals. In addition to checking their food habits, you can also remind them about their medicines.
Lack of Hygiene
Older people may fail to do simple hygiene tasks like bathing daily, brushing their teeth, washing their clothes, or even combing their hair. Be wary of such signs of ignorance and take regular notice of their overall appearance and house. It may happen that they don’t use clean bedsheets and are unaware of the uncleanliness in their house. Lack of hygiene could be a warning sign that they need more assistance. Taking care of their hygiene necessities and grooming could greatly impact their quality of life.
Drastic Changes in Behavior & Personality
Older parents may experience symptoms of social withdrawal, depression, or eccentric behaviour. Keep a check on any drastic changes in their behaviour as it may also indicate a serious health issue. Ensure they maintain healthy interactions with friends and relatives, as this largely impacts their emotional and mental well-being. You may consult a medical expert if your parents are not interacting or often isolating themselves.
Read more - Why Should You Encourage Your Parents not to Ignore Their Health?
How to Handle Warning Signs Among Older Parents?
Now that you know the signs to look out for in your parents as they get older, the next question would naturally be how to manage these concerning signs. Following are a few different ways by which you can manage the same:
Encourage Medical Help
Ageing parents usually don’t voice their ailments as they don't want to burden their children with added responsibility. Buy health insurance that covers preventive health check-ups, pre-post hospitalisation, or health insurance with OPD cover provides them quality and timely health care. Also, it prevents the onset of serious medical issues.
Boost Their Self-Esteem
If your parents cannot do routine tasks independently, they may feel a sense of low self-esteem. This may leave them depressed, and they may not vocalise their troubles. In such cases, it is important to motivate them. Reassure them about the tasks which they can still do effectively, and discuss how independent and positive they can still be.
Support Them Financially
Parents are usually reluctant to accept financial help from their children. However, you can be the pillar of strength for your parents in their old age by investing in health insurance. Experts suggest that paying health insurance premiums for your parents in your early 30s is wise, as you are comparatively free of personal obligations.
Invest in Health Insurance Plans
Comprehensive health insurance covers provide for unexpected and excessive medical expenses, in addition to other healthcare benefits. Not only does it protect you and your parents against unexpected medical expenses, but it also allows them to be financially independent in case of medical emergencies. An insurance policy, therefore, becomes a timely solution for expenses arising due to preventive health check-ups, critical illness, pre-hospitalisation, post-hospitalisation, the treatment of pre-existing diseases, COVID-19 treatment, etc. You can even opt for family floater health insurance that is created for families of senior citizens.
Read more- Top 10 Health Insurance Companies in India
Consider Wellness Programs
To boost your parents' emotional and mental well-being, it is important to keep their minds active. Some health insurance plans cover not only expenses for treatments but also pay for a wellness program (if the plan permits). This includes guidance on nutrition, lifestyle habits, health maintenance, exercises, etc.
Ensure Safety
When your parents become old, you often engage in role reversal. Just as they made the house child-friendly for you, it is your time to make it senior-friendly. Identify their problems and offer them a solution. You can buy wheelchairs, rollator walkers, or bathroom safety toilet seats.
Conclusion
As difficult as it is for you to step in as a caregiver, it is equally difficult for your parents to cope with change. Give them assurance and comfort and reduce their mental strain. Old age impacts their life significantly, but you can make it easier by communicating with them about their ailments and informing them that they have a strong financial cushion of health insurance to fall back upon in an emergency.
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