Invest in an Alert System

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to start looking into the different type of alert systems available. The best alert system is the kind that can notify emergency responders in the event of a fall or some other kind of problem.

Purchase one and then explain to your parent how it works. You'll feel a lot more confident that they'll always have the help they need in case something happens.

Adjust the Living Space

With this kind of care comes changes. It doesn't matter if your parent will be living in their own home or if they'll be living with you. You'll need to take the time to adjust the home to make certain the living space is as safe as possible.

For example, installing bars on the walls in the bathroom can help stabilize unsteady feet. Tuck away all loose cords and objects that might cause a fall. Place rugs for extra traction so that your parent won't fall on slippery surfaces.

Things like this can make all the difference in lowering stress.

Hire a Caretaker for Extra Help

It's okay to go to outside sources for extra help. Hiring a caretaker, even part-time, can give you a professional view on the situation. Plus, it gives you a chance to take a break and allow someone else to bear the brunt of the caring for a little while.

This is especially helpful if your elderly parent care includes things like helping them wash up or needing to do physical activity.

Have a Talk with the Entire Family

This is a kind of talk that no one wants to have. But it's an important step for any family.

You'll want to make sure you're all on the same page, that everyone knows what is going on, and what may be expected of each other in the future. This is when you can figure out how to delegate different jobs between each other instead of taking them all upon yourself.

Prepare Medicine in Advance

The medicine your parent takes can be a point of stress. It's difficult to know if they're taking the correct dosage, or if they're taking it at the right times.

Preparing the medicine ahead of time can help in this. Finding a container that lets you place the medicine in day-by-day sections can be a huge help. If your parent needs to take different medicine during the day and night, there are even containers that break up the days by AM and PM.

Take Breaks

Don't forget to take some time away for yourself. Even five minutes can make a difference in your mental well-being.

You're giving a lot of yourself in taking care of another person, so it's important to allow for some personal time. For example, if you begin to feel overwhelmed, go for a five-minute walk outside.

Otherwise, you might run yourself ragged and begin to resent the entire situation.

Get All Documents in Order

This can depend on the severity of your elderly parent care, but sometimes it's necessary to make legal changes. Power of attorney, for example, can be good if your parent is no longer capable of having control over their money.

Getting a will written out can be another talk you don't want to have, but it will save a lot of stress down the road. Get all of these documents figured out and filed away at the beginning. That way you can put all of the legal stuff behind you and focus on helping your parent.

Prepare Medicine in Advance

If you don't already exercise regularly, then now is the time to start. Not only will exercise give you the perfect excuse to go off and have some alone time, it also is great for your physical and mental well-being.

If possible, bring your parent along. Exercise can be a big help when it comes to elderly parent care.

Find Group Activities

It can be a lonely time for your parent. Finding group activities for them to engage in can make their own stress levels go way down. It's a great opportunity for them to make friends.

It's also a potential way for you to make some friends; friends who can intimately understand the kind of living situation you're currently dealing with. Having someone to talk to with that kind of knowledge can relieve a lot of stress.

Share Meals As a Family

Getting the whole family together for meals can mean a lot to your parent. It's a kind of tradition that can bring an entire family closer together. Plus, this is an inconspicuous way to make certain that your parent is eating enough food every day.