Taking Care Of Elderly Parents At Home – You just got off the phone with your mom and you have a feeling that something isn’t quite right. Although it was a pleasant conversation, her memory lapses were troubling. She assured you that she was fine—that she was eating very well (although she couldn’t remember what she had for lunch), taking her medicine, and having no problem keeping up with the household chores. If you’re caring for an elderly parent and aren’t completely sure they’re completely safe and independent, a great first step is to schedule a home evaluation from a reputable home care provider like Morning Glory Home Care. and dementia care in Edwardsville, Illinois and nearby areas. This allows a highly qualified, unbiased third-party professional to speak with the elderly person at home in comfort and familiarity while assessing several critical areas.
During the consultation, the home care expert will find out how the senior feels both emotionally and physically.
Taking Care Of Elderly Parents At Home
It is important for a senior living independently to be able to perform daily tasks that fall into two categories: ADLs and IADLs.
Top Reasons To Consider In Home Care For Elderly
A home counselor can also assess an older adult’s living space to identify potential risks and hazards, such as:
Based on the results of the assessment, the home care professional can create a customized care plan that outlines ways the home caregiver can help overcome the difficulties. Often with a little support, seniors can continue to live and thrive at home where they are most comfortable, with enhanced security to give families peace of mind, while never sacrificing a senior’s freedom and independence.
Contact Morning Glory Home Care for a free in-home consultation to learn more about elder care today! You can contact us anytime at 618-667-8400 to learn more about our award-winning home and dementia care in Edwardsville, Illinois and the surrounding communities. When you are the primary caregiver for your elderly parent, you face the constant struggle of taking care of your mom or dad. If you also have a family of your own, then the work increases exponentially, as does the guilt. You may constantly struggle between the needs of your spouse and the needs of your children and parents. Some days you can feel on top of the world and in control. Other days you can hide in your bedroom with a box of dark chocolates and a glass of red wine. Stress can be worse for those whose loved ones suffer from dementia.
It is possible to find help. Sometimes it can be family members. Turning to a sibling or other family member for help is not an admission of defeat. Instead, it can be a great way to reduce stress and even help foster a sense of community with family members. Home health care professionals Home Instead provide relief for families with respite care. We support families and their loved ones during these difficult times in their lives.
How To Prepare For Caring For A Parent At Home
Regain peace of mind when you seek help from your family. Use these tips and tricks to get the help you need:
Talking to family is just the beginning. Another option or additional step is to use a professional home care service from home instead of Hamilton. Our trained caregivers are ready to step in and provide the help you and your family need to ensure your aging loved one gets everything they need to live as independently as possible.
If you need home care services, look to the home page instead to give you the excellence and compassion you deserve. Learn more about the experienced senior home care we deliver.New York, NYLos Angeles, CAChicago, ILHouston, TXDallas, TXPhiladelphia, PAMiami, FLAtlanta, GABoston, MASan Jose, CAPhoenix, AZSeattle, WAMinneapolis, CADNSan Diego,,,
Reviewed by: Carol Bradley Bursack, NCCDP Certified Dementia Support Group Coordinator. Author Carol Bradley Bursack spent two decades as the primary caregiver for seven elders and is a newspaper columnist, blogger and expert on aging.
Planning Senior Care With Elderly Parents
Supporting elderly parents poses a number of challenges. It may be completely understandable to you that your parents need help with things such as housekeeping or personal care. However, they may refuse help and say no to the idea of a caregiver or senior care community. If your parents dismiss your concerns, you may think they are being irrational or stubborn, even though you are just trying to help. Fortunately, the situation is not hopeless. Use the tips in this article to talk openly with parents about their care needs and help make the conversation productive and non-judgmental for both parties.
If you’re struggling with what to do when an elderly parent refuses help, you’re not alone. According to a study by researchers at Penn State University, 77% of adults believe that their parents are stubborn when it comes to accepting help with everyday tasks.[01]
“I can’t even tell you how many times my husband and I have suggested ways to improve my parents’ quality of life and they’ve turned us down,” says Mary Hager-Marek, a program analyst in Annapolis. Maryland. “I feel like we could open a senior care business with all the programs and assistance and other things we’ve looked at for them.”
Unfortunately, Haeger-Marek’s feelings are not uncommon among adult children who take on the responsibility of caring for their aging parents. Read on for steps that can make it easier for you and your parents to navigate this next chapter in their lives.
Parenting Your Parents: 5 Tips For Taking Care Of Aging Parents
Health complications are not always predictable, so early planning may not be an option for all families. However, if your parents are showing slight signs of aging or weight loss, you may want to start the conversation early about their future care needs.
“Talk to them when they’re still thriving and in control,” says Amy McLoughlin, A Place for Mom’s learning and development specialist with more than 15 years of senior living experience. Communicating when your parents are still autonomous allows you to talk about hypotheticals without stress, she says. You can talk about what your parents want in the event of a stroke, dementia diagnosis, or other medical conditions that may run in the family.
Early conversation also allows your parents to think about how their needs may affect your life in the future. As long as they are healthy, they may be able to more easily see how their needs can burden you. Contingency planning together can prevent your elderly parent from being selfish when it comes time to care.
Be sure to think about situations where a parent may not be able to make decisions. If they were to become incapacitated, who would they want to lead? If they choose a Power of Attorney (POA) in advance, they can avoid potentially difficult situations in the future.
Advice For Taking Care Of Elderly Parents
Aging is a difficult process for almost everyone. Many older adults are living with dementia or mental health problems, including anxiety and depression. Recognize where your parents are coming from so you can choose the best approach when approaching the topic of accepting their help. While you are likely focused on safety, your parent’s top priority is likely to be preserving their autonomy.
“Knowing that your parent’s autonomy is important to them can also be beneficial,” says social worker Suzanne Modigliani, a Massachusetts-based end-of-life care specialist who works with families to address elder care issues. She suggests asking yourself some key questions about your parenting behavior:
Identifying the root causes of your parents’ behavior can help you choose the best way to make positive changes.
Don’t expect to make big changes overnight. Even if you think your parents need help, recognize what they can still do to show them you value their independence. For example, if your parent needs help with cleaning but still likes to cook, don’t suggest hiring someone to help with both.
Covid 19 Family And Friends Caregiving Resources
Also keep in mind that while you have your parents’ best interests at heart, they are in control of their own lives and care options. As hard as it is to accept this fact, it can help reduce stress and even improve relationships with older parents.
Decide which issues are most important and focus on them—at least initially. For example, matters related to the safety of your parents at home should be a top priority. Your parents are more likely to take your concerns more seriously if you don’t bombard them with several at once, even if the concerns are valid.
Until your other issues are resolved, it may help to stop insisting that your parents update their phones, join a fitness class, or perform other beneficial but non-essential tasks.
If you are asking someone to change their lifestyle, it is very important, so you should not expect to come to a conclusion after one conversation. Whether you’re talking about a lifestyle change or a small adjustment in their diet, it can still put your parents on edge. They will need time to process your points.
Tips For Bathing And Toileting An Elderly Parent
Whenever you bring up a topic related to your parenting, make a plan to do so
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