As your parents get older, there may come a time when they can no longer do everything for themselves and, they will require some assistance. If you are in this situation now, it can be difficult to even figure out to how to get started with taking care of your parents. Here are a few things to get you started.
1. Consider Getting Professional Advice
If you are feeling overwhelmed by all the factors of taking care of your older parents, consider hiring a geriatric care manager. These professionals guide families through the caregiving process and help them make decisions to ensure that their older loved ones receive quality care. Geriatric care managers are knowledgeable in a wide variety of caregiving topics and can assist you with everything from finding an in home companionship service to financial and legal matters.
2. Anticipate Expenses and Make a Budget
There’s a good chance that you may have to cover some of the expenses related to taking care of your parents. Come up with a list of expenses such as in home companionship service, medical care/supplies, and even home maintenance. Your parents likely have their own resources that can help for expenses. Together with them, you can evaluate what they can cover and what you may need to help with. Your parents may also be entitled to benefits from Medicare or other benefits services. Doing a little research can go a long way in in reducing financial burdens.
3. Get Your Parents Socially Engaged
It’s easy for older adults, especially if they live separately from relatives, to become socially isolated. They may no longer have the ability to drive or face other physical challenges that make mobility difficult. In these cases, it’s a good idea to get your parents involved in the community. Also make sure that you and other family members visit them often. Some in home companionship services such as Comforts of Home can assist is this area. Caregivers can provide much needed social activity in the home and out. Caregivers can transport and escort your parents to various social events including religious services.
4. Make the Home a Safe Environment
Regardless if your parents live with you or in their own home, you should make sure that the home environment is safe for seniors. Inspect the areas of your home and remove any obstacles that can become tripping hazards. Install grab bars and rails in bathrooms and other places where your parents may need additional stability. Keep in mind that older adult are also more susceptible to water burns. There are anti-scald devices that can be installed in faucets and showers to make them safer for seniors. Even with the proper safety measures taken, the best way to ensure your older parents are safe is to frequently check on them. Caregivers from in home companionship services can check on your parents while you are at work or otherwise occupied.
If you need help taking care of your parents, contact Comforts of Home. We are an in home companionship and senior care service based in Conroe, TX.
