Humans are living longer, thanks to medical science.
However, it’s equally important that longevity be complemented by quality. For a lot of older people, quality of life is determined by their being independent. Living in their own home, with their independence more or less intact, is the goal for many seniors. There comes a time, however, where even the feistiest of seniors might need a little help in order to maintain that independence and remain in their own home.
That’s where caregiving can come in. Rather than making the leap to a care residence or retirement community, many seniors could live far more years independently, if they just had that little bit of extra help at home. That being said, a lot of seniors don’t always recognize that need until a fall or a serious illness brings that realization a little too late.
Five signs that your parents might need some caregiving help
- Their home is a mess—the inability to keep up with the daily cleaning, including dishes, clearing up clutter and laundry, can become a problem. Perhaps the laundry being in the basement is causing some issues as the stairs are steep. Perhaps their ability to climb on a step stool to reach the higher shelves to put away dishes has become compromised of late. This isn’t just about the aesthetics of the home: clutter can become a safety hazard, as trip and fall accidents become more likely!
- They aren’t eating well—seniors often lose their appetite a little, in part because their taste buds have become weary and food just isn’t as palatable as it once was. The other factor is simply the act of cooking several times a day can become burdensome. If you’re noticing your parents are getting thinner, or the fridge seems bare, it’s time to step in and get them some help to manage their meals.
- They have health issues that require managing—for many people, tracking medications and ensuring that appointments are kept is an issue. Just remembering to take the medications at certain times, for example, is not always easy as we age. But there are tools to help with that. Where health issues require more intervention, like with dementia, cancer or diabetes management, it might be time to look at caregiving options that will still allow your parents the independence they need.
- They aren’t meeting their own personal hygiene needs—when mobility becomes an issue, many seniors begin to neglect some of their most basic needs. Getting into a bathtub can be daunting, to say nothing of pulling up socks! If you notice that your parents aren’t taking care of their hygiene the way they used to, get an evaluation of their home to see how it can be altered to help them. It could be as simple as converting a tub to a shower, with a seat in it!
- They seem depressed—particularly if you don’t live nearby, seniors can quickly become isolated if there are mobility issues as well. Employing a caregiver is not only good for their body but it’s good for their souls too! Having someone to communicate with is important and it can actually be helpful for some seniors to be able to speak with someone who isn’t a family member. They might resist sharing a personal issue with you but tell the caregiver quite openly.
The key to making caregiving a reality for your parents is maintaining open lines of communication with them. They are adults and if they feel they are being forced into a situation, they might resist it. The prospect of losing even a little of their independence can be difficult for them to face. Speak to them, not at them, openly and clearly. Let them know about your concerns and that you want them to live their lives the way they want, for as long as possible. Caregiving makes that possible. Contact us if you need help for your parents, call us at 470-260-4137.