As you grow a family of your own, your elderly parent may want to live alone to maintain their space and independence. While this is common, your parent might face daily challenges, such as running errands. To help ensure their safety and well-being, here are a few tips to help your elderly parent adapt to their solo lifestyle.

How to Make Life More Comfortable for Your Aging Parent

1. Make Sure They Build a Close Circle of Friends

Whether it’s meeting for an early lunch or scheduling regular walks in the park, it’s important for your parent to be part of a social group and have people they can connect with. Socialization reduces stress and isolation, improving memory and longevity. Do what you can to make it easy for them to see friends, like arranging for door-to-door transport.

2. Check-In Frequently

Between work obligations, running errands, and house cleaning, it can be challenging to find the time to reconnect with your parent. Checking in on them daily might feel like hovering, so give them space to maintain their independence by visiting every so often. Weekly visits allow you to check on them emotionally and make sure their living environment is safe and comfortable. If your schedule is too packed for an in-person visit, call your parent to ask about their day and let them know they’re an important part of your life.

3. Help With Tasks

As your loved one ages, it might become more challenging for them to complete daily activities, such as running errands or gardening. Do what you can to help them, like calling a transport service to take them to the supermarket or hiring landscapers to maintain their yard. 

If you’d like to schedule driving services for your elderly parent, call the team at RERK Transport in Waipahu, HI. Since 2009, this family-owned business has offered transportation services to help seniors with running errands, providing a safe way to get to and from the grocery store and post office as well as doctor appointments and church. Their skilled drivers are CPR-certified and operate spacious vans that are accessible for disabled and handicapped patrons. View their services online, or call (808) 671-7242 to schedule a ride.