Every adult reaches the stage in their lives where they suddenly have two major worries. The first is their kids. The second is their parents. With couples all over starting families later in life, it means that in addition to kids, more adults today also have to start worrying about their parents’ well-being as well. If your parents need more help and support than they’re currently getting, but you also have young kids that depend on you, that can put you in a very tight spot.
The good news is that you don’t have to go at it alone. You also don’t have to go through with the most obvious option of moving your parents in with you (especially if there’s no space). Instead, you can use these top four methods to help support your parents, all without giving up time or attention away from your kids.
1. Create a Short List of Senior Living Facilities Near You
When you’re still raising your kids, you don’t really have time to become a full-time or even part-time carer for your parents. What you can do, however, is keep them nearby. If you don’t have space in your home, the best option is for your parents to move to a retirement community near you. If you’re in Florida, for example, this independent senior living in Fort Lauderdale, FL, is a great place that offers all the support and fun your parents deserve in their retirement.
2. Exercise Together
Exercise does wonders for the body and mind, but it’s hard to get started and keep at it. The good news is that you can both work towards a healthier lifestyle together. To do just that, schedule weekly walks and hikes. These are great excuses to see each other and can even be made into occasional family hikes if your kids are old enough.
3. Attend Classes Together
Physical health isn’t the only thing you need to watch out for or can help out with. Learning new things is also critical for cognitive health, and it’s so much fun to do. For example, you can take a cooking class together or do a pottery course. For best results, go to a community college. These courses are longer, more in-depth, and yet are also some of the most affordable options. Just like that scheduled walk, going to a course once a week can help you bond while also helping your parent think more clearly, learn some new skills, and even work on their dexterity while they’re at it.
4. Split Up Your Duties
You are not in this alone. Get help from your siblings, your other family members, and even professionals. Assisted living facilities are a huge help, yes, but don’t take on all of the emotional load by yourself, either. Have your siblings split up the days where you take your parents out on a walk or over for dinner. When everyone pitches in, you can encourage a healthy bond, help your parents be their best selves, and do it all without feeling overloaded.