It’s Never Too Early For In-Home Care
Your parents or elderly loved ones may be fine for now, but it might be time to create a care plan just in case. It’s best to begin discussing home care early. Planning early can help your loved one get used to the idea of having a caregiver in their home. It might even be a good idea to start with a few hours a week before they require care on a daily basis.
You may wish to believe that your loved ones won’t need to have a caregiver, but many people wait until it’s too late to prepare. Everybody is different as they age, some people may retain abilities as others begin to lack them. It’s important to decide what you and your loved one wants and needs. An in-home caregiver can help your elderly loved ones keep their autonomy.
What To Discuss With Your Loved One About In-Home Care Planning
1. How Equipped is Their Home?
This could be simple modifications like; non-slip bath mats, brighter LED lights, or grab bars in hallways or bathrooms. Or they may need more expensive modifications like a wheelchair or walkers, lowering counters or light switches, or widening entry or doorways.
This is also a good time to discuss if their house is a suitable place to age in place in. A three story home may no longer be beneficial if they can not longer climb the stairs, unless their bedroom and living areas can be moved to a main level that’s easily accessible.
2. What are Their Specific Goals?
This is a good time to begin discussing whether or not they want to downsize or stay in their current home. Ask your loved one what their goal is? Many adults want to stay in their home for as long as they can, but some prefer to downsize to a smaller one bedroom home closer to a city or family.
3. What are Their Health Conditions?
Many chronic health conditions may require your loved one to take frequent trips to the doctor. If they can no longer drive themselves, someone else will need to be available and responsible to take them. This is when an in-home caregiver would come in handy.
Also if your loved one has a chronic health condition such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol, the might have a special diet or need to take prescription medications regularly. A caregiver would be able to help them prepare their meals and keep up with their medication schedule.
4. What Questions Do They Have For Home Care Experts and Their Potential Caregiver?
When it comes time to find a caregiver for your loved one, it is a good idea to come up with a list of questions with the help of your loved one and other family members. It’s also a good idea to write down your loved one’s plan for aging in place, for when you meet with you in-home care expert.
Even if your parent or loved one isn’t ready for an in-home caregiver right now, it’s never too early to reach out to a caregiver service to see what your options are. If you or your loved one is considering In-Home Care in Arkansas please contact the caring staff at Superior Senior Care (800) 951-9792.