Being a mother is the most beautiful thing in the world. Mothers give us life, support us no matter what, and as soon as they grow older it is our time to return the favor. As they age, their bodies become weaker, some of them unfortunately get sick, and it is our duty to help them overcome these obstacles. A mother would never ask you to help her and give her something in return for everything that she’s done, but she sure will be glad you are willing to take care of her. However, this is not an easy job, but all it requires from you is to understand your mother’s state and show her love.
Understand Her Needs
It is quite difficult to tell when your aging mother needs some help. All you have to do is pay attention to her behavior, social interaction, nutrition, hygiene and you will know what to do. In order to make a good plan and better understand her needs, you will have to ask her (and yourself) some questions.
- Start with her room: is it well-lit, or are there any light bulbs that need to be replaced?
- Check the kitchen: is there food in the fridge, is it fresh and is there anything you should throw out?
- If she is taking any medicine, make sure to understand what they are for and when she should be taking them; organize the medicine and see if you need to buy some new ones.
- Move on to the bills and utilities; organize the bills and mail, throw out anything that is junk and help her pay the bills regularly.
All this may seem a bit too formal, but she sure will appreciate it since it might already be difficult for her to keep track of all that.
Hire Help
If you notice that your mother has had some drastic changes in her physical appearance, even though you are doing your best to help her, it is probably the time to consider hiring an in home care. At first, she might resist the help, and having a stranger in her home might be uncomfortable for her. That is why you need to find a professional that understands all that. This is especially important if you don’t live close by and can’t find enough time to dedicate to your mother. A licensed professional will make sure your mother has everything she needs and you will feel much less stressed about her. Additionally, all the time you spend with her will be more relaxed and you will be able to spend it bonding and sharing stories about your days.
Share Responsibilities
Taking care of an elderly loved one on your own is too stressful no matter how humane and generous it is. In order for you to stay positive, you have to share some of the responsibilities with other family members. Make plans and arrangements for doing the everyday jobs and leave space for you two to hang around without having to do anything. Such organization will make everything much easier and you will still have plenty of time to have meals together and spend some quality time over a cup of tea or coffee. Additionally, collaboration will help you come closer together. That way, you will only make your relationship stronger.
Maintain Frequent Contact
There will be times when you just don’t have enough hours in a day to do everything you need to do, and still visit your mother. This is once again tricky if you live far away. That is why you need to maintain contact. Check in on her by phone and just talk to her for as much as she likes. Also, you can teach her to use technology, such as Skype and you can even talk and see each other more frequently. Contact will mean a lot to her since she might get lonely and a short phone or Skype call will make her day. Additionally, frequent contact will enable you to keep track of her daily needs and duties, like nutrition, hygiene and to check up on her caregiver.
It might be tough for your mother to admit that she needs help. She was always the one that helped and supported you, but now it is time to switch roles. Even the little things you do for her on a daily basis will mean a world to her, so make sure you are in contact and see each other frequently.
Photo by Raul Petri
Emma Lawson
Latest posts by Emma Lawson (see all)
- How to Show Love to Your Elderly Mother - December 20, 2016
- Leaders in Heels: Business Women Rocking the Scene - October 31, 2016
- One Train, Four Days, Two Oceans, One Continent: My Indian Pacific Ride - September 2, 2016
