You are the adult child of an elderly parent, and we know you probably have many questions. This can be a difficult time because there are decisions to be made about your loved one’s care and you only want what’s best for him or her. How can you tell if they’re able to continue living on their own without help? What kind of help would work the best for everyone? Should they stay at home or relocate to a facility? We are here to help you answer these questions.

How can you tell your parent needs help?

• She fell at home and now has trouble moving around
• You notice he is wearing the same clothes several days in a row
• He can’t keep up the yard anymore and it’s getting out of control
• She doesn’t keep the house tidy like she used to; laundry and dishes are piling up
• He doesn’t cook his own meals now that mother is gone. You worry he’s not eating healthy
• She can’t drive to her doctor’s appointments anymore so she cancels them
• He’s not getting out and visiting with his friends anymore
• She has lost interest in all the activities she used to do
• They tell you on the phone that everything is fine but when you visit them in person you can tell it isn’t fine

What kind of help would work the best?

• If you aren’t sure and the decision has become a huge burden, hire a home care assessor to come into the home and see what degree of help is needed
• You’re pretty sure he or she can continue living at home if someone comes in daily to help? In-home care providers would fit this situation perfectly.

Should they stay at home or move to a facility?

• Seniors are happier aging at home when possible. Studies show that elderly persons who can remain at home with some help for daily activities maintain better physical and mental health for a longer time than those who have to move out of their home.
• Agencies providing home care to seniors cover all the bases – help with household tasks, reminders to take medication, transportation to appointments or social outings, personal hygiene assistance, help with cooking meals, etc.

Speak with someone about in-home caregivers today. Getting all your questions answered is half the battle in making this important decision. Knowing your elderly parent is getting the help they need will take the burden of worry off you and other family members as well. Then you can spend your time and energy just enjoying quality time together and making memories you will treasure for a long time to come.