It’s a real struggle deciding if it’s time for elderly care services.
Your parents value their independence. Fear of change will keep them from admitting they just can’t do the things they used to do. The home may fall into disrepair. Clutter builds up. Laundry doesn’t get done. Personal care gets pushed aside.
You’re uncertain that it’s time. Here are four questions to ask. Be sure to get the input of family members and friends who spend time with your mom and dad.
How Much Can Mom and Dad Do On Their Own?
How much are your parents capable of doing on their own? Visit two weeks in a row. Is laundry building up? Is there food in the fridge? Have dishes been cleaned and put away in the right place? How clean is the house? What about clutter?
If you notice your mom and dad haven’t mowed the lawn or shoveled the sidewalks, they need help. There are months of newspapers stacked up. Pet hair is all over the floor and surfaces within the home. These are all things they should be able to do as part of the typical activities of daily living.
Count medications from one week to the next. If your dad had 20 beta blockers a week ago, he should have 14 pills a week later. If he still has 20, he might not be taking his medications each day.
Will Their Health Change in the Next Few Years?
How much is your mom or dad’s health going to change in a year or two? If you know a parent has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, there is going to be a decline. In two years, you could see your dad go from struggling to stay organized to completely forgetting if he’s eaten or had a drink at all that day.
Has Your Mom or Dad Fallen Recently?
If your mom or dad has fallen recently, living alone can be risky. There’s usually a reason for the fall. Many falls are caused by issues maintaining balance, side effects of medications, or dizziness caused by low blood sugar or blood pressure changes.
What happens if your mom or dad falls when no one is home? Could your parent get help? Would it be hours or days before anyone notices something is wrong?
How Often Can You Spend Time With Them?
Do you stop by and see your parents once a month? Maybe, you can manage once a week? It’s rare for people to be able to fit in daily visits to elderly parents. You have a spouse or kids, a job, or pets relying on you to be at home. You have to balance that life with the elderly care your parents need. If you take on too much, you can burn out.
Don’t risk your parents’ safety. Don’t overwork yourself. Caregivers can help your parents age at home. Call an elderly care agency to find services and rates in your area.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Elder Care in Chino Hills, CA, contact the caring staff at No Place Like Home Homecare today at 951-382-5266.
About Kristi Duran
Kristi Duran is the owner of No Place Like Home Homecare. Kristi started NPLH because of her absolute love for seniors. She was raised by her grandparents from the day she was born. Kristi has a special connection to seniors and understands their wishes and needs to stay independent.
Kristi has worked in the medical field for years and has seen first-hand how aging seniors want nothing more than to age in the comfort of their own home with dignity and grace. At NPLH, she and her caregivers insure that this happens.
NPLH is not a large franchise. It is a personal family owned homecare service. This insures a one on one personalized touch. Kristi is available 24 hours a day to her clients and their families.