Many elderly parents suffer from negative thoughts, especially as the weight of health problems and the loss of freedom start looming in. While this may be difficult to deal with, remember that you’re not alone. Continue reading for options to help improve the situation.
Examples of Pessimistic Behavior
Some people who are assisting their parents don’t even realize the pessimism and complaining beginning. However, some typical examples of negative behavior from aging parents include:
- Starting arguments constantly
- Getting angry over minor issues
- Insisting that nothing you do is ever good enough
- Giving you the silent treatment
- Refusing to do necessary activities
If you’ve noticed one or more of these examples of behavior from your aging parents, it’s beneficial to find ways to improve the situation.
Tips for Dealing with Negative Elderly Parents
Sometimes when adult children have to take care of negative elderly parents, they feel there’s nowhere to turn for help. However, there are plenty of effective ways to deal with negative elderly parents.
Put Yourself in their Shoes
Some people might initially roll their eyes at this piece of advice. However, it can significantly improve your situation with a negative elderly parent. Parents deal with many complicated feelings as they age.
Some reasons for your parent’s negativity can include:
- Their loss of independence
- Their weakening mental and physical health
- Boredom from being idle
- Pain from health conditions
- Feelings of depression or loneliness
Sometimes these feelings of frustration end up being taken out on you or other members of your family. Once you understand what your parents might be feeling, it might be easier to deal with the situation.
Do Fun Activities with Them
Boredom can lead to pessimistic feelings. Health conditions and weakness can lead to older people being stuck at home for most of their day. The lack of activity may cause them to lash out more frequently. Take your parents out or do some of their favorite activities with them to help improve their feelings and your relationship.
Talk to Them Openly
This may seem obvious, but it’s constructive in dealing with pessimistic elderly parents. When you’re busy managing your parents’ lives, the conversations often become mundane, repetitive daily questions.
Rather than asking about their doctor’s appointments and if they took their medications, have an honest conversation with them. Ask them about their day, how they’re feeling, and what could make them feel better. These discussions could significantly improve your relationship with your parents.
Take Time for Self Care
Sometimes, when we have other people to care for, we often forget about taking care of ourselves. Struggling with aging, negative parents can be burdensome and can take a toll on anyone. Take a break from the stress every so often. Engage in activities that you enjoy and that bring you peace.
Ask a Professional
Sometimes situations with pessimistic parents can even be too much to deal with on our own. Taking care of your parents shouldn’t cost you your mental health. A family counselor is an excellent place to start. The counselor could be the perfect neutral mediator to keep things in order.
Adult Day Care
Adult daycares can be a great way to improve the perspective of your aging parents. Adult daycares can provide your parents with many benefits, including socialization, activities, and more. At Nevada Adult Day Healthcare Centers, our services are meant to help care for our participants while they continue to live at home and maintain their independence. We provide many services and activities to our participants, including nursing services, physical therapy, daily living assistance, social activities, recreational activities, hot meals, podiatry services, transportation, and more. Contact us for more information today.
