How difficult it is to see your parents, who you once considered so strong and capable, beginning to deteriorate and show their age.
While some age gracefully and are able to care for themselves well into their 80s and 90s, others begin to need constant care at relatively-young ages.
This is always a hard decision for their children to make.
The parent is likely going to resist all efforts to go into a nursing home or an assisted living facility, and they aren't going to welcome the thought of moving in with one of their children.
It's really tough for them to admit that they are unable to care for themselves, because to admit it makes it a reality they don't want to face.
So when is the right time to provide constant care for an elderly parent, and what's the best way to handle the situation? In many instances, a senior will insist they don't need care which makes their children wonder if they're really doing the right thing.
Some of the signs to look for that will tell you if your loved one is definitely in need of elder care include: * Did the senior recently lose a close friend or spouse? * Is their home becoming unsightly because they aren't cleaning it or keeping it in good repair? * Do they forget to take their medicines when they're supposed to? * Have they had a marked weight gain or loss? * When you're talking with them, do they stop in mid-sentence because they can't remember things like the date, the year, or the names of their children and grandchildren? * Is there any food in the house? * Has their hygiene deteriorated significantly? * Do they tell stories that are untrue just because they can no longer what took place in the past? Maybe your parent or loved one doesn't have all of the symptoms of old age listed above, but any of them can rouse your suspicions that they aren't doing as well living alone as you would like them to be.
Knowing that once they develop these infirmities it's only going to get worse can help motivate you to find a caregiver right away instead of putting it off.
Home care has taken root as an elder care option for a reason.
It allows seniors to remain in their own homes while providing them the companionship and assistance they need.
If chosen well, a licensed caregiver can become like a part of the family who takes care of such duties as cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, making sure the senior takes their prescribed medications, and laundry.
Having a person like this available gives you peace of mind that your loved one is being cared for while you are working or otherwise engaged.
It also makes your parent feel as close to independent again as it's possible to feel.
While some age gracefully and are able to care for themselves well into their 80s and 90s, others begin to need constant care at relatively-young ages.
This is always a hard decision for their children to make.
The parent is likely going to resist all efforts to go into a nursing home or an assisted living facility, and they aren't going to welcome the thought of moving in with one of their children.
It's really tough for them to admit that they are unable to care for themselves, because to admit it makes it a reality they don't want to face.
So when is the right time to provide constant care for an elderly parent, and what's the best way to handle the situation? In many instances, a senior will insist they don't need care which makes their children wonder if they're really doing the right thing.
Some of the signs to look for that will tell you if your loved one is definitely in need of elder care include: * Did the senior recently lose a close friend or spouse? * Is their home becoming unsightly because they aren't cleaning it or keeping it in good repair? * Do they forget to take their medicines when they're supposed to? * Have they had a marked weight gain or loss? * When you're talking with them, do they stop in mid-sentence because they can't remember things like the date, the year, or the names of their children and grandchildren? * Is there any food in the house? * Has their hygiene deteriorated significantly? * Do they tell stories that are untrue just because they can no longer what took place in the past? Maybe your parent or loved one doesn't have all of the symptoms of old age listed above, but any of them can rouse your suspicions that they aren't doing as well living alone as you would like them to be.
Knowing that once they develop these infirmities it's only going to get worse can help motivate you to find a caregiver right away instead of putting it off.
Home care has taken root as an elder care option for a reason.
It allows seniors to remain in their own homes while providing them the companionship and assistance they need.
If chosen well, a licensed caregiver can become like a part of the family who takes care of such duties as cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, making sure the senior takes their prescribed medications, and laundry.
Having a person like this available gives you peace of mind that your loved one is being cared for while you are working or otherwise engaged.
It also makes your parent feel as close to independent again as it's possible to feel.