Taking Care of Elderly Parents at Home

Aging is an inevitable part of life—but we often don’t realize how much of an impact it can have on our entire family. As parents get older, adult children frequently find themselves taking on caregiving responsibilities. Even if parents are in relatively good health, their needs will continue to change, and eventually they may require daily support. When that time comes, there are a lot of questions to consider. Should you care for your elderly parents in their own home? Do you need to move them to your home? Is assisted living, skilled nursing care, or memory care a better fit? 
 

Caring for senior parents, regardless of where they live, can be overwhelming. Whether you’re taking care of your parents in your home or theirs, there are lot of variables to consider. Here are a few recommended tips:

Tips for Taking Care of Elderly Parents at Your Home

1. Prepare Your Parents for Change

Relocating into a new environment can be challenging, especially for older adults. If your parents will be living with you, try to prepare them well in advance. Have open conversations about expectations: Will they need help with bathing or getting dressed? Will they be able to move about the house safely? These discussions make the transition smoother and help everyone get on the same page. 
 
2. Make Safety a Priority

Older adults who need help with daily activities are more vulnerable to falls and accidents. You may need to rearrange your home to prioritize safety. Consider:

• Setting up a first-floor bedroom to avoid stairs
• Install grab bars in bathrooms
• Remove tripping hazards like throw rugs
• Add night lights in hallways and bedrooms  

A safer environment supports both your parents’ comfort and your peace of mind. 
 
 
3. Consider Your Schedule

If you’re working full-time or managing a busy household, make a plan for how your parents will be supported during the day. Who will help them with meals, mobility, or medication reminders when you're not available? Whether it’s another family member, a hired caregiver, or assisted living services, you’ll want a reliable support system in place. 
 
4. Take Care of Yourself, Too

It’s much easier to experience burnout when your parents are with you every hour of the day. While family caregivers sometimes feel guilty when they take some time for themselves, it’s important to remember that you won’t be able to care for your loved one if you’re not also caring for yourself. Be sure to schedule some time to relax and recharge. You may also want to consider seeking support groups or counseling to help address some concerns, as well as receive help for managing your stress. 
 
5. Consider Your Finances

If caring for your aging parent is affecting your work schedule, you may need to prepare for any financial impact you could experience. You should also explore if there are any types of government assistance or financial support available to you or your parent. 
 
6. Consider Respite Care

Respite care provides caregivers with a temporary break from their primary responsibilities. Respite care services can be a good idea if you ever have an obligation, are planning a vacation, or simply need a break.  

Tips for Taking Care of Elderly Parents in Their Home

Monitor Your Parents’ Needs

When your parents are aging in place, it’s important to evaluate how well they’re managing daily routines. Are they able to bathe, dress, and prepare meals on their own? These Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) help indicate how much support is needed. Common ADLs include:

• Eating independently
• Mobility
• Dressing
• Personal Hygiene (including bathing and showering)
• Toilet Hygiene

If they’re struggling with one or more of these, it may be time to increase your caregiving involvement or consider additional help. 

Ask Others to Help

Even though you love your parents, it’s hard to make time to check on them when you’re taking care of them in their own homes. With that in mind, ask relatives and family friends to stop by and check on your parents when you can’t. It will give you peace of mind and relieve some of the pressure you’re facing.

Understand the Financial Requirements to Keep Parents in Their Home

As much as your parents want to age in place, it’s necessary to make sure this model is financially possible for your family. Can your parents maintain the cost of a house? Are you (or your family members) able to handle projects and repairs that owning a home requires? These are important questions to ask when you’re taking care of elderly parents at home—and you might need to sit down with a financial advisor to discuss the details.

Consider an Assisted Community for Your Elderly Parent

Caring for your elderly parents at home promotes independence, minimizes loneliness, and provides familiarity. However, it isn’t always the best choice to ensure that your parents get the care they require. One common alternative to taking care of parents at home is arranging for them to live in an assisted living community where they can receive assistance with daily tasks. If your parents need more care than you can provide, it’s okay to reach out for help—and an assisted community might be the best place to start!