No matter how hard you try, sometimes an elderly parent can be unreasonable in their expectations of your time and efforts. You try to help as much as you can, yet they seem unhappy and sometimes unappreciative. What is it that they want from you? How do you know if these demands reasonable or not? What should you to provide the best for your loved one and preserve the quality of your own life?
Being certain that all their basic needs have been met as a first step. Consider their medical condition, their ability to get to where they need to go, their diet, medication, exercise, and spiritual needs. Are their financial matters being managed well? Are their living arrangements safe for their needs now? How much of this are they able to manage on their own? If you are the one who's making this happen, give yourself credit for what you've accomplished!
Listen carefully to the requests and demands that your loved one is making Could there be something else that these demands are telling you? Perhaps they are bored, lonely or even sick. Are they telling you that there is something missing in their lives? If so, is there anything that you can do to help them find activities that will engage their body and minds, making life more meaningful for them? If they are living alone and are unable to get to activities, it may be time to consider an assisted living facility, where a variety of activities are available on-site on a regular basis.
Are they asking that you make yourself available at all times to satisfy each and every whim of theirs? Time won't allow you to do this and it is unrealistic. Dedicating all of your time and energy to their demands will deplete your resources, and you won't be able to help yourself or your parent. Finding resources, such as alternative living arrangements, for your parent, may better address their current needs and add value to their physical and emotional health.
Letting them know what kind of help is available and when they can count on it may be helpful. They might be more patient if they know what to expect. If they are able to minimize the demands and complaints, be sure to tell them how much you appreciate their consideration. But most of all, give the same respect to yourself that you give to them. For the good of all, make certain that you don't allow their demands to negatively impact your physical or emotional well-being.
Both board and care homes and assisted living facilities provide an environment that is makes live fulfilling for many senior citizens. The quality of your loved one's life may be impacted positively by having services like meal preparation, laundry, housekeeping, and other services provided as well as having more company and an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities. There will still be plenty of ways for you to be involved, but instead of being the only resource, you will be part of a team, all working toward a common purpose.
Being certain that all their basic needs have been met as a first step. Consider their medical condition, their ability to get to where they need to go, their diet, medication, exercise, and spiritual needs. Are their financial matters being managed well? Are their living arrangements safe for their needs now? How much of this are they able to manage on their own? If you are the one who's making this happen, give yourself credit for what you've accomplished!
Listen carefully to the requests and demands that your loved one is making Could there be something else that these demands are telling you? Perhaps they are bored, lonely or even sick. Are they telling you that there is something missing in their lives? If so, is there anything that you can do to help them find activities that will engage their body and minds, making life more meaningful for them? If they are living alone and are unable to get to activities, it may be time to consider an assisted living facility, where a variety of activities are available on-site on a regular basis.
Are they asking that you make yourself available at all times to satisfy each and every whim of theirs? Time won't allow you to do this and it is unrealistic. Dedicating all of your time and energy to their demands will deplete your resources, and you won't be able to help yourself or your parent. Finding resources, such as alternative living arrangements, for your parent, may better address their current needs and add value to their physical and emotional health.
Letting them know what kind of help is available and when they can count on it may be helpful. They might be more patient if they know what to expect. If they are able to minimize the demands and complaints, be sure to tell them how much you appreciate their consideration. But most of all, give the same respect to yourself that you give to them. For the good of all, make certain that you don't allow their demands to negatively impact your physical or emotional well-being.
Both board and care homes and assisted living facilities provide an environment that is makes live fulfilling for many senior citizens. The quality of your loved one's life may be impacted positively by having services like meal preparation, laundry, housekeeping, and other services provided as well as having more company and an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities. There will still be plenty of ways for you to be involved, but instead of being the only resource, you will be part of a team, all working toward a common purpose.
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If you would like to learn more about the living options for an elderly parent, check out the many choices available in your area. There are many Assisted Living Facilities in Orange County, California that can meet your needs.