If your aging parents need help to stay safe and healthy, you might feel overwhelmed by all the decisions that need to be made. Here are seven steps to take now so you can help mom or dad be as happy and healthy as possible.
Assess their needs
Take a step back to understand how much help your parents needs with everyday tasks. Think about: family support, medical needs, home safety, mobility, cognitive health, personal hygiene, meal preparation, social interaction. How much support are they already getting and how much help do they realistically need? From there you can figure out what services are needed.
Think about your needs and abilities
We all want our parents to be healthy and safe, and it’s okay if you’re not the best person to care for them. Do you live close enough? Would you want to live with them? Do you have the personality to provide the needed care? It’s better to make an honest assessment early in the process.
Include your parents
Having conversations with your parents will help them see you more as a partner, instead of someone making all the decisions and changing things. There will probably be resistance at first, so be prepared for multiple conversations.
Understand the financial situation
Caring for an older adult will cost money, no matter what route you go. Think about what type of medical care they will need, cost of potential living situation, and everyday costs such as food, medication, caregiving supplies, etc.
Take care of home safety
Fixing safety hazards in the house and preventing potential falls will go a long way in keeping your parents healthy and independent for longer. Simple fixes include updating lights, adding grab bars, and making sure walkways are clear. For more ideas, click here.
Ensure communication is accessible
It’s important for your parents to be able to easily call for help and keep in touch with friends and family. Make sure the phone is easy to reach and use. In addition to safety, loneliness can have a serious negative effect on health.
Explore care options
Caring for your parents can be an overwhelming responsibility,. Luckily, there are many resources and care options out there, including in-home caregivers. We believe our home care services provide peace of mind for both our clients and their families, which leads to a higher quality of life.
Source: “7 Steps to Take When Aging Parents Need Help” from DailyCaring
Alice Home Care is here to help provide compassionate care for your loved ones who struggle to remain independent in their homes. Give us a call at 510-924-8529 and let us provide you with helping hands and caring hearts.
