Aging With Dignity and Grace

When you accept the aging role reversal as a positive life transition, you are more likely to enjoy the emotional, mental, and physical support that you need. As adult children, it’s important that honest and open conversations are held, so that the rights and independence of parents are retained.

An individual who is 65 is not necessarily classified as “elderly;” however, this is the time when adult children should begin to speak openly with their parents about the potential challenges that lay ahead. To ease the transition into a role reversal, adult children and care givers can ask the following types of questions.

• What are your fears and worries about aging?
• How can I provide you with the support that you need?
• Is there any way to make this transition easier for you?
• Do you want to stay at home and receive in-home care when needed?
• Do you want to move into a retirement lifestyle facility?
• What do we need to do if you need care in an aged care facility?
• How do we plan for illness or injury?

By asking these types of questions, adult children can be more understanding of their parents’ needs; and in return, elderly parents will feel like they still have a voice.

Aging is a natural part of life that can be achieved with dignity when honesty is embraced. If elderly parents are still living at home, and their children are worried about their daily care, then an honest conversation should be had about how modifications and adaptions can be used to improve the quality of life, reduce risks, and provide a supportive environment.

Some solutions that can support the aging journey, are making sure that homes are adopted to suit a changing set of needs. The following adjustments can help make homes more livable for longer:

• Zero-threshold entryways.
• Making bathroom modifications, e.g., installing handrails in the bathroom and shower.
• Installing a textured floor in the bathtub and/or shower to reduce the risk of falls.
• Clearly marking medications and setting reminders throughout the home using smart speakers.
• Improving lighting and removing clutter from hallways, steps, and doorways.
• Installing lever handles (which are easier to operate with arthritic hands).

There are several types of aged care services and facilities. Each service is uniquely designed and positioned to help the elderly receive the care, support, and attention they need as they move through the aging process.

The most popular types of care services include:

In-Home Care – Staying in your own home for as long as possible, making suitable modifications, and receiving in-home care services as needed. There are many providers around who offer these services, but like anything, do your research carefully before appointing a service provider.

Retirement Living and Independent Living – These facilities offer a self-sufficient lifestyle that includes the support of healthcare providers.

Assisted Living – As its name suggests, this type of facility is meant for individuals who need daily help in a wide variety of capacities. From housekeeping services, to prepared meals, to physical therapy, assisted living facilities tailor their services to the needs of each resident.

Aged Care Facilties – These facilities are designed to offer the personal and medical care that residents need on a 24-hour basis.

Aging with dignity is a process that can and should be supported by loved ones, friends, and medical providers so elderly individuals and adult children can receive the peace of mind that they need to prepare for the later years in life.