Grandchildren who are older and much more mature can accompany their grandparents to doctor’s appointments, aid with medicine reminders, and even support with walking, cleaning, and toileting.

The Impact Grandchildren Can Have on Senior Care

The picture of an older man or woman in their 30s or 40s caring for an elderly parent may come to mind when people think about unofficial or casual family caregivers. Whereas many caregivers fit into this classification, there is another important group of people who care for the seniors while juggling their own work, relationships, and aspirations: grandkids.

Senior care, also known as elder care, is usually the responsibility carried out by the elder’s younger yet adult siblings or their healthy spouses. The millennial generation has started becoming the primary caregivers in countries, including the United States of America. These are the adult grandchildren of the elderly people, but their role usually goes unnoticed.

As per AARP statistics from 2015, 1 out of every 4 caregivers is a millennial. According to another study referenced by Seniorly, 1 in every 12 caregivers is accountable for taking care of a grandparent.

Grandchildren are usually the ones who are more close to their grandparents. They play and talk about stuff not commonly spoken with other relatives for both parties. This is why their connection is pure; all the more reason grandchildren can have a greater impact on their grandparents in senior care.

The relationship between a grandparent and a grandchild, both young and old, is usually strong making it a great source of care, leading to a better life quality for the seniors/grandparents.

So by taking this association in mind, the following tips can be a great way to assist this way of elder care.

Senior In-Home Care Tips for Grandchildren

Grandkids of all ages – from babies to teenagers – can be an essential component of a caregiving group. Here are some ideas on how grandkids of different ages might help with caring for the elderly:

• From a few months old to 3-year-olds

From the first look, newborns and infants may have no place in elder care. Well, why not?  While young toddlers cannot provide direct caregiving assistance, nonetheless, they can play an important role.

The seniors are particularly vulnerable to social isolation. Bringing a small child to assist in caring for your parents may bring delight to their lives while improving their social and emotional wellbeing.

It was found in a study that in the years when the number of grandchildren increased, the elders started showing lower symptoms of depression and sadness. This study was Taiwanese-based.

Seniors who participate in frequent social interaction, such as with young kids, have enhanced physical health and lower stress levels, including lower blood pressure, a lower risk of illness, and a slower rate of cognitive deterioration.

Keeping an eye on or overseeing a younger grandchild may be a fun distraction for grandparents who require some monitoring but are generally healthy and fit. Request that your parents look after the baby or play with your toddler while you take care of some of your parents’ requirements in the meantime, such as preparing weekly dinners, household chores, arranging prescriptions, or paying bills.

• Pre-teens and early school students

At around this age, kids are capable of performing minimal eldercare activities. Young school students can be entrusted to grab the Remote control or a pair of spectacles for Grandma or Grandpa.

Pre-teens can take on greater care-related tasks. However, it should still be confined to modest tasks like pushing Grandma or Grandpa around on wheelchairs, aiding with calls and messages or computer requirements, and putting on jackets, footwear, or sweaters.

More entertaining activities will give your children more opportunities to connect with Grandparents. Motivate them to share tales, watch Netflix, read books, and participate in games like puzzles or board games.

• Teenagers and young adults

Older grandchildren may be able to take on greater caring tasks. Grandparents who want little non-medical help and monitoring for brief periods may find younger teens to be ideal babysitters.

Grandparent-sitting goes more effectively when you have something special to do together, like watching films, enjoying board games, or reading to one other. Spending quality time around each other as a grandchild and grandparent may be an excellent way to bond and also a well-deserved respite for parents.

As teens mature into young adults, they can accompany their grandparents on walks, buy groceries, and maybe go for a drive together.

• Older grandchildren

Grandchildren who are older and much more mature can accompany their grandparents to doctor’s appointments, aid with medicine reminders, and even support with walking, cleaning, and toileting.

When it comes to their grandparents, young adults, particularly those whose parents have passed away, may choose to seek professional in-home care help.

Grandchildren may be a valuable resource in senior in-Home care:

In senior care, grandkids have the chance to be a benefit instead of a problem. Their existence has the potential to improve your parents’ emotional and physical well-being. When grandkids become older, they might take on more responsibility for caring and give more physical and emotional support.

Also, if you want additional caregiving support, contact Private Elderly Care for a free care evaluation & consultation to understand how the caregivers who have subscribed to our portal can support you.

Our aim is to assist aging persons in independent living and respect in their own homes by empowering them to enjoy an active and fulfilled lifestyle, linking them with their neighborhood, and developing deeper connections.

Contact us via our website to undersand how in-home caregiving can help and learn more about our empathetic in-home care programs for you or a beloved relative.