Life is about change. But when parents and grandparents reach a point in their lives when they can’t manage the things they once did, it’s a different kind of life change. You suddenly realize your parents aren’t the people they once were, who watched over you and taught you all you knew. You are now the one who needs to take care of them.
This can be a challenging time for both you and your aging parents. It forces you to face tough questions like – do they need to move to a care home? Should they come live with you? Or should they continue to live in the home they love?
The truth is the two most important questions are these:
What do they want?
What is best for them?
How this Family Kept their Parents in their Home
Michelle C. faced those same questions last year. A mother of two, who works full time, Michelle was devastated when her father was diagnosed with early-stage Parkinson’s disease. While his condition was stable, it affected his memory and his ability to do some of the things he loves, like working on cars and other electronic gadgets. It also affected his sleep. He becomes agitated during sleep, sometimes waking up disoriented and afraid.
“Dad has always been easy going, but he gets agitated at night now. My mom wakes up with him to help him calm down,” Michelle said. “It worries me.”
Waking up at night may sound like a small thing, but when “an 80+ year old woman” is on high alert day and night, it can take its toll on her health. Michelle checks in on her parents often and spends time with them on weekends. But she knows her mom needs a break during the week. And she wants what is best for both her parents. She isn’t sure what that is.
One thing is certain, though, her parents want to stay in the home they love.
The Solution they Found:
Michelle’s family decided together to get an in-home care professional to come in two days a week to do a little light housekeeping and to give Michelle’s mother a few hours during the week to rest and relax, while the caregiver took care of their father.
The change has made a big difference. Michelle’s dad is getting the support he needs. Her mom is rested. And Michelle has the peace of mind that comes with knowing her parents are in good hands.
Why Seniors Want to Stay In their Homes
Michelle’s parents are like many other aging parents. They want to stay in their home for as long as they can because that is:
Where their comfortable chair is
Where they planted a garden
Where they raised their children
Where their sweetest memories were made
Where their lifelong friends and neighbors are
Why In-Home Care is a Great Solution for Aging Parents
Home care is a great option for keeping seniors in their homes.
Home care isn’t a new idea. It is the way people have done things throughout history- neighbors helping neighbors as they age and need support. The best home care agencies continue this legacy with compassion. Whether it is:
More personal support – like help getting in and out of the bath or taking medications.
Respite Care – supporting the primary caregiver (as in Michelle’s mother case) and taking the burden off their shoulders for a few hours a day or week – so the caregiver can rest and recharge.
Whatever your needs are, there is a home care provider, who can help keep your family members safe, healthy, independent – and living happily in their own home.
To learn more about your home care options,visit our website.Or call to book a FREE consultation –
