Simple Ways to Support an Aging Parent
Connection comes in many forms.
Small actions, big impact: how to bring ease, connection, and care into your parent’s daily life.
Last month, Lisa realized she hadn’t seen her mom in nearly three weeks. Between work deadlines, her kids’ sports schedule, and a growing list of errands, time had quietly slipped away. When she finally visited, she noticed unopened mail stacked on the counter and her mom’s phone reminders blinking unread. Nothing urgent, just signs that a little extra support might go a long way.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Millions of adult children are balancing caregiving with the rest of life’s demands. The good news? Supporting an aging parent doesn’t have to mean overhauling your schedule or taking on more than you can manage. A few intentional, simple steps can make a meaningful difference. Here are five simple ways to be supportive while not over extending yourself.
1. Organize medications and paperwork together.
Set aside one afternoon to review prescriptions, refill dates, and doctor instructions. Create a simple system — a pill organizer, a shared calendar, or a checklist on the fridge — to make it easier to track what’s taken when. It’s a small act of care that brings peace of mind for both of you.
2. Schedule one enjoyable outing.
Whether it’s brunch at their favorite café, a short park stroll, or an afternoon drive with good music, shared experiences strengthen connection and lift spirits. Schedule it now before the month fills up again. A date on the calendar is more likely to happen than a vague “sometime soon.”
3. Offer gentle tech support.
Choose one device or app to simplify. Maybe set up a video call shortcut, show how to use a ride-share app, or install a medication-reminder tool. Start small, celebrate progress, and keep it fun. Studies show that older adults who feel confident using technology are more likely to stay socially connected and independent (Assured Assisted Living, 2023).
4. Do a quick home safety check.
A simple walkthrough can reveal small fixes that prevent future falls or frustration, like adding better lighting, removing clutter, or labeling storage bins clearly. The National Council on Aging notes that most accidents involving older adults happen at home, and many are preventable with just a few adjustments.
5. Encourage one social or creative connection.
Isolation is one of the most common — and overlooked — challenges of aging. Help your parent reconnect with a friend, sign up for a local class, or join a community group. The Family Caregiver Alliance emphasizes that regular social engagement can reduce loneliness and improve emotional health.
Resources to explore
Caregiver Action Network: Education and peer-support for family caregivers
National Council on Aging: Tools for connecting with local senior services
AARP Caregiving Guides: Practical advice for navigating daily care and long-term planning
Administration for Community Living: State-level programs offering respite and support
Take one step this week.
Pick one of these ideas and put it on your calendar. Send a quick message to your parent: “Let’s try this together this week.”
Caregiving doesn’t have to be overwhelming; it can be built from small, consistent acts of care that remind our parents they’re not alone.