Your mom’s made it clear that she wants to stay in the family home. It has multiple floors and bigger than she needs, but she’s not changing her mind. You want to make sure she’s supported, especially now that her doctor says she has high blood pressure. How do you know when it’s time for senior home care?
Ask Her
Sit down and ask your mom. Sometimes, older adults are embarrassed to admit they can’t do everything that they used to do. If she’s struggling and you give her the chance for input, she may be relieved to admit she needs help.
Plus, an honest conversation about her daily chores allows her to give input on what she does and doesn’t like to do around the home. You may find she’s overjoyed by the possibility of having someone else do the laundry.
Look Around Her Home
During a visit, look around her home. Are there clear signs that she’s neglecting certain household chores? For example, is her laundry overflowing the hamper? Is she re-wearing the same clothing, even if it’s dirty or smells sweaty?
Are her carpets covered in crumbs and pet hair? How about hardwood or laminate floors? If she’s not vacuuming or sweeping once a week, find out why? If she’s having a hard time using the vacuum due to its weight, it’s a good time to talk about housekeeping services.
What Does She Eat?
Does your mom cook meals that meet her doctor’s recommendations? Look in her refrigerator and pantry. If she’s living on frozen pizzas, ramen noodles, and canned soup, she’s probably not following guidelines on a low-sodium diet. Would meal preparation services be helpful?
Is your mom able to do the grocery shopping on her own? If she lives within the range of grocery delivery services, can she place an order and carry it in. If not, is she able to build a shopping list, shop for the items she needs, and load it into the car? Can she put things away?
Does she end up wasting food because what she buys goes back before she uses it? If she’s buying too much, it may help her to have a caregiver helping her plan weekly menus.
Can She Still Drive?
Does your mom drive anymore? If not, how does she get to appointments or run errands? If she relies on you, and you’re frequently taking time off, it’s time to look into having caregivers for transportation. You won’t have to lose pay or use up personal time.
Consult a Senior Home Care Agency
Once you have your family’s list of questions, make a call. A senior home care advisor helps you understand the options, prices, and schedules. Book senior home care to ensure your mom maintains her independence while aging at home.
Source
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-are-signs-aging-parent-needs-help
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Cherry Hills, CO, call the caring staff at SYNERGY Home Care of Denver today. 303-756-9322
