While your parents probably would like to be able to take care of themselves independently, often children find themselves in a role-reversal as their parents age. They become the caregiver for Mom or Dad. It can be rewarding but also stressful because it takes time, patience and sometimes money. If you are facing a situation where your parent needs part-time or full-time help, here are some tips to help you make this easier on everyone.
Increasing safety and ease of access are two ways to make life easier for many seniors. This means installing safety bars and other helpful items in the bathroom, as well as removing any area rugs and tacking down loose carpeting. Make sure that there are wide clear paths to every room in the house and also install a nightlight in every room. Make sure that any stair rails are firmly in place and install handrails where ever they are needed. Transform that front stoop into a gently sloping ramp so that there are no stairs to forget or trip over.
Other ways to make independent life easier include taking stock of the kitchen. Make sure plates, cups and other items are easy to access and not too high or that drawers are easy to open. Be sure the cupboards are stocked with canned and dry goods and a few frozen dinners are on hand, so that there is always something to eat. Also consider buying an easy to use electric can opener, well as a toaster oven and microwave to make meal preparation faster. Daily pill organizers can ensure that medicines are taken regularly and can be placed on a kitchen counter.
It's also wise to have a conversation with your parent about finances. At some point, you also will want to talk about wills, trusts and directives. It's good to know where information is kept in case of emergency, but if your parent seems to need or want some help with paying bills and managing a budget, you need to know the location of all of the pertinent information. If their budget permits, it might be nice to have some in-home care. This might include having someone come in and complete housekeeping chores once each week and perhaps assisting with shopping, grooming and dressing chores.
Selecting the right person for in-home care can be tricky and you definitely want to find someone trustworthy and personable. An agency such as CarePlacement.com screens licensed professionals in your area and can compile a list of potential caregivers for you. You simply fill out a questionnaire detailing the types of services you need, as well as your current budget, and they will find you several solid candidates.
Once you have a few names, write out a list of questions to ask these candidates or the home-care agencies. Find out how much experience the caregiver has had, ask for references and contact these references and ask about the level of care. Ask about what your parent can expect in terms of care such as the services that will be provided and how often the caregiver will be at their home. It is also wise to get a list of services in writing, as well as the costs. Also ask what happens if a caregiver is unable to come to work for a scheduled day or visit.
Increasing safety and ease of access are two ways to make life easier for many seniors. This means installing safety bars and other helpful items in the bathroom, as well as removing any area rugs and tacking down loose carpeting. Make sure that there are wide clear paths to every room in the house and also install a nightlight in every room. Make sure that any stair rails are firmly in place and install handrails where ever they are needed. Transform that front stoop into a gently sloping ramp so that there are no stairs to forget or trip over.
Other ways to make independent life easier include taking stock of the kitchen. Make sure plates, cups and other items are easy to access and not too high or that drawers are easy to open. Be sure the cupboards are stocked with canned and dry goods and a few frozen dinners are on hand, so that there is always something to eat. Also consider buying an easy to use electric can opener, well as a toaster oven and microwave to make meal preparation faster. Daily pill organizers can ensure that medicines are taken regularly and can be placed on a kitchen counter.
It's also wise to have a conversation with your parent about finances. At some point, you also will want to talk about wills, trusts and directives. It's good to know where information is kept in case of emergency, but if your parent seems to need or want some help with paying bills and managing a budget, you need to know the location of all of the pertinent information. If their budget permits, it might be nice to have some in-home care. This might include having someone come in and complete housekeeping chores once each week and perhaps assisting with shopping, grooming and dressing chores.
Selecting the right person for in-home care can be tricky and you definitely want to find someone trustworthy and personable. An agency such as CarePlacement.com screens licensed professionals in your area and can compile a list of potential caregivers for you. You simply fill out a questionnaire detailing the types of services you need, as well as your current budget, and they will find you several solid candidates.
Once you have a few names, write out a list of questions to ask these candidates or the home-care agencies. Find out how much experience the caregiver has had, ask for references and contact these references and ask about the level of care. Ask about what your parent can expect in terms of care such as the services that will be provided and how often the caregiver will be at their home. It is also wise to get a list of services in writing, as well as the costs. Also ask what happens if a caregiver is unable to come to work for a scheduled day or visit.
About the Author:
Kristana Jenson enjoys reading home health care blogs. To get further information about assisted living Vista facilities or to discover more about board and care Oceanside services, please go to the Care Placement site today.
No comments:
Post a Comment