When Is It Time to Get Some Help for Your Aging Parent?

Article submitted by Amanda Miller DuBois, Operations Director at Always There - In Home Care, Inc.
For more information, she can be reached at 205-824-0224.

Nobody likes to admit that he or she "can't do it all" anymore - especially a parent who has raised a family, kept up a house, or retired from a successful career. Older people may need a little push to admit that they need help with daily tasks like caring for their home or even for themselves. Frequently, it is up to you to notice when help is needed, and then to arrange for such help - but it is not easy. Who has the time to work, take care of her immediate family, and still have time to care for Mom or Dad? When do you have leisure time when all you do is housework, errands and chores? The answer is planning - and arranging the appropriate resources to meet the needs that you have identified. A qualified in-home care company may be just the answer to your prayers.

An extra pair of hands may be helpful not only to your parents, but to you as well. Remember that your time is your most valuable asset. In addition to recognizing that it's time to bring in extra help, you must also practice good time management. Don't forget to schedule quality time with your parent, just as you would schedule doctor appointments, grocery shopping, and soccer practice with your kids.

What are the signs to look for that may indicate that your parent(s) needs some help at home? Driving becomes difficult or dangerous. Look at the car. Are there new dents and dings? Are oil changes being performed routinely? Is Mom's eyesight failing? Is Dad's reaction time slowing? Memory skills are decreasing. Does your loved one tell you the same story repeatedly? Does Mom forget to take her medications or fail to take them as prescribed? Personal hygiene declines. Is Dad neglecting to bathe as often as he should? Are his clothes stained or soiled? Is the house clean (especially kitchen and bathroom)? Does Mom prefer to stay in her robe all day instead of getting dressed? Eating habits have changed. Have you noticed a lot of junk food in the house? TV dinners and microwaveable food taking over the freezer? Is weight loss a problem?

Many of these changes could indicate a medical condition that needs attention. Always consult your parent's primary care physician if you have concerns. However, when the changes you have noticed are deemed "normal" by the doctor, you must decide how to balance your needs with those of your family. Did you know you could hire someone to help with all the situations described above? Running errands, managing medications, providing assistance with bathing and housekeeping, and preparing nutritious meals are all services available from an in home care company. When you have arranged help with these important tasks, then you can enjoy quality time with your aging parent - which is equally important if you look at the Big Picture.