February 20, 2019
In home caregivers help older adults live safe, active lives in the comfort of home.
The earliest signs are likely to be so subtle that a lot of people wouldn’t even detect that anything is amiss. Mom is extroverted, pleasant, and conversational when visiting friends and family and while running errands. However, those closest to her have begun to recognize concerns: forgetting about the soup cooking on the stove, resulting in a scorched pot. Placing her keys into the cookie jar. Forgetting to pay bills.
As an adult child of a senior who is aging and in the beginning stages of compromised safety, or the capability to make competent choices, it is often tremendously difficult to transition to an increased degree of involvement and care – yet it’s also essential to take action as soon as possible.
When it comes to broaching any confrontational topic of conversation, talking with your senior loved one regarding the issues you are observing may very well be met with opposition and defensiveness in the beginning. However, it’s worthwhile to summarize the specific causes of your concern, and the negative consequences if these signs and symptoms continue on or intensify.
Continuum advises this strategy:
- Be sure that a durable power of attorney has been assigned.
- Affirm with your sisters and brothers that the problem has to be tackled, and discuss together what options are available for the senior’s care as needs continue to progress.
- Remain loving but firm in your plan. Explain the choices you have thought through. If she balks at the concept of relocating to an assisted living facility, which many seniors do, offer an in-home caregiver instead, enabling her to remain independent and safe in the comfort of home.
- Take into account that it will probably take several conversations before the older adult accepts the need for help and support – which is why it is important to begin the process without delay.
At Continuum we’re experienced in assisting older adults feel at ease and positive regarding how our services can help increase safety and overall quality of life and well-being. When your family decides the time is right for assistance navigating aging, we can help with highly customized care that will meet a wide range of needs, such as:
- Companionship
- Meal planning and preparation
- Housework and laundry
- Transportation
- Running errands
- Highly specialized care for dementia
- And much more
Whether the need is for just a couple of hours weekly to improve safety and socialization, full-time care, or anything in between, partnering with Continuum improves quality of life for older adults and gives peace of mind for people who love them. Contact us at (314) 863-9912 or (636) 861-3336 for a free in-home consultation to learn more about our award-winning senior home care and to learn how we can help with in home care in St. Louis and the surrounding areas.