How To Know When Your Aging Parent Is Ready For Homecare
Caring for an aging parent can be a challenging and rewarding experience. As our parents age, it's important to make sure they are getting the support they need to live a safe, comfortable, and healthy life.
It can be a lot to handle, which is why it's so important to get the right support. But what kind of support do they need? And when should you get it?
Planning with aging parents
One of the first things you'll need to do is have a conversation with your parent about their wishes and needs. They may be resistant at first, but it's important to have an open and honest dialogue about what they expect from you and what kind of help they're willing to accept. Once you know what they're looking for, you can start to research your options.
When to consider homecare
There are many different types of support available, depending on your parent's needs. Homecare can refer to a home health aide providing part-time or full-time support for self-care activities.
There are a variety of in-home care services that can be customized to meet your unique situation. If your parent is still relatively independent, they may only need a few hours of help each week with tasks like light housekeeping, laundry, and grocery shopping. For those who need more assistance, some live-in caregivers can provide around-the-clock care.
When should I be concerned about my aging parent?
It can be difficult to accept that our parents are getting older and may need help. However, some signs indicate it may be time to offer or seek assistance.
For example, if your parent has difficulty maintaining basic hygiene, such as bathing or brushing their teeth, it may be time to step in.
Another sign that your parent may need help is if their home is becoming cluttered or dirty. If they are no longer able to keep up with housework, it may be time to consider hiring a cleaner or providing assistance yourself.
Additionally, if you notice that your parent is losing weight or not eating properly, it could be a sign of underlying health problems. If you are concerned about your parent's well-being, it is important to have a conversation with them to discuss your concerns and how you can best support them.
Signs your elderly parent needs help
They seem more tired than usual or are complaining of fatigue.
They are losing weight or not eating properly.
Their home is becoming cluttered or cluttered and dirty.
You notice them having more accidents like falls, bruises, or burns.
Poor personal hygiene and unpleasant body odor as a result of infrequent showering or bathing
Their mood has changed dramatically or they seem more withdrawn.
Failure to return phone calls to friends and family members
Stacks of unopened mail, late payment notices, or bounced checks
Signs of unsafe driving (e.g., automobile dents and scratches)
Forgetfulness (e.g., forgetting to take medications or taking incorrect dosages, missing appointments, misplacing items)
Consistent use of poor judgment (e.g., falling for scams or sales pitches, giving away money)
Note that the appearance of these red flags doesn't always mean an elder needs to relocate to assisted living or a nursing home. They could, however, suggest that some form of daily supportive care is now necessary. For lots of families, getting home help lets older adults stay in their own homes for as long as it's safe to do so.
Questions to ask when considering home health supports
When it comes to home health support, there are a lot of things to consider. Here are some questions to help you get started:
What health factors are currently impacting the ability to live independently?
This is an important place to start. What kind of support does the individual need in order to stay healthy?
What are his or her goals?
Home health supports should be designed to help individuals meet their goals. Whether that means being able to live independently or being able to manage a chronic condition, the support should be tailored to meet the individual’s specific needs.
How much support does he or she need?
This will depend on the individual’s health needs and goals. Some individuals may only need a little help, while others may need more comprehensive support. It’s important to ensure that the level of support is appropriate for the individual’s needs.
How much social support is available via neighbors, family, and community resources?
Neighbors can be a great source of social support. They can offer a listening ear, a helping hand, or simply some company. Family members can also provide much-needed assistance. They may be able to offer financial help, child care, or emotional support. In addition, many communities have organizations to help with basic needs such as food and housing.
Would technology be a reasonable alternative for assistance and safety monitoring?
There are a variety of devices and software programs available that can provide assistance and safety monitoring for your aging parent.
For example, there are medical alert systems that can be worn as a bracelet or pendant. If your parent falls or has a medical emergency, they can push a button to call for help. There are also GPS tracking devices that can be placed in a car or on a keychain. This can give you peace of mind knowing that you can track your parent's whereabouts if they should wander off or become lost.
There are also software programs that can be installed on a computer or tablet that provide reminders for taking medications, managing appointments, and more.
What are the costs?
Home health support can be costly, so it’s important to consider all of the potential costs before making a decision. Make sure to factor in the cost of supplies, equipment, and other necessary expenses.
What resources are available?
There are various home health supports available, so it’s important to research and find out what’s available in your area. You may want to check with your local Area Agency on Aging or your state Department of Health for more information.
Finding senior care resources in your area
Senior care resources can help to ease the transition, providing information and support for both families and individuals. One of the best places to start is your local Area Agency on Aging. The AAA provides various services, including case management, benefits counseling, and caregiver support. They can also connect you with other resources in your community, such as respite care, transportation, and meals on wheels. In addition, many hospitals offer senior care clinics, which provide screenings, education, and referrals to community resources. By researching and reaching out for help, you can ensure that your loved one receives the care and support they need.
Putting off getting help can make life more difficult for you and your parent - don't wait until it's too late!
