Taking care of elderly parents can be rewarding and fulfilling, but it can also feel confusing and overwhelming. There’s a lot to consider — from monitoring health conditions and helping with daily needs to making bigger decisions like aging at home or moving into an assisted living facility.
As a caregiver, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier while maintaining your parents’ quality of life. Here are seven practical tips to help you navigate the next chapter of caring for your aging parents.
1. Discuss long-term plans
You can’t predict the future, but planning ahead can make tough choices easier later on. If your parents are still making most of their own decisions, now is the time to talk about their wishes for the future.
Here are key topics to discuss:
- Home healthcare vs. independent living vs. assisted living facilities
- Transportation options if they can no longer drive
- Long-term medical care and insurance coverage
- End-of-life care preferences
- Wills or estate planning
These conversations can be difficult, but they bring peace of mind for everyone involved. Caring for aging parents begins with open communication, ensuring you’re confident in your shared plans moving forward.
2. Connect with your parents regularly
As your parents age, your relationship may start to shift. You might find that your conversations focus more on care and less on connection. Staying emotionally close is just as important as managing their physical needs.
Try setting up weekly calls or video chats, scheduling visits, or planning small activities together. Staying connected helps prevent loneliness and isolation — two common challenges for older adults — while strengthening your bond and giving you opportunities to notice any new health or social concerns early on.
3. Keep up with their medical care
Many seniors begin to skip or delay doctor visits, sometimes out of fear or forgetfulness. Staying proactive about their medical care is key. Help them keep up with regular checkups, screenings, and specialist visits as needed.
If possible, attend some appointments with them. You’ll help ensure important details aren’t forgotten, and you’ll have a better understanding of their treatment plans.
You can also help your parent with health insurance paperwork, medical bills, or tracking medications. If you’re unsure how involved to be, ask their doctor privately how you can best support their care.
4. Encourage a healthy lifestyle
Supporting healthy habits plays a major role in helping your parents stay strong and independent. Encourage regular movement and balanced meals that suit their needs.
Here are a few ideas:
- Go for walks together
- Try a gentle virtual exercise class, like Chair Yoga or Functional Fitness
- Use GoGoGroceries for healthy grocery deliveries
- Try GoGoGourmet for takeout or meal delivery tailored to their dietary needs
- Share easy meal inspiration from these breakfast ideas for seniors and these simple lunch ideas
A balanced diet and consistent activity can improve energy, mood, and independence — all essential for aging well.
5. Consider home modifications
As your parents’ mobility or health needs change, small home updates can make a big difference. Installing grab bars, better lighting, and non-slip flooring are simple ways to make the home safer and more accessible.
If you can’t handle these changes yourself, consider hiring a vetted handyman through GoGoGrandparent. Our GoGoGuardians carefully screen professionals to ensure only trustworthy, kind, and reliable helpers enter your loved one’s home.
Check out these easy, inexpensive senior home modifications to get started.
6. Provide transportation
When it’s no longer safe for your parent to drive, finding dependable transportation is crucial. While you may be able to help sometimes, few caregivers can be available full-time.
GoGoGrandparent makes senior transportation easy. Your parent can simply call our friendly operators, who will arrange safe, vetted rides through trusted partners like Uber and Lyft — no smartphone required.
With features like family monitoring and 24/7 support, you’ll always know your loved one is in good hands. Learn more about how to request a ride on demand or explore alternatives to driving for seniors.
Are you trying to figure out how to talk to your parents about giving up the car? Here’s how to navigate that conversation with care.
7. Seek professional help
Caring for aging parents can be emotionally and physically demanding. If you feel overwhelmed, reach out for support. Doctors, social workers, geriatric care managers, and home health aides can help you navigate the process — and local senior programs can be a great starting point.
Find helpful resources in your area through local agencies and services for seniors.
Use GoGoGrandparent as an extension of your care team — from transportation and groceries to handyman services and medication delivery, GoGo helps your parents stay safe, independent, and supported.
Register with GoGoGrandparent to get started today.
