It can be a difficult decision for elderly parents to move out of their home and into a senior living or assisted living community. Many seniors want to live at home as long as possible, but they may not be able to do so safely on their own. If you have elderly parents who want to live at home, there are things you can do to help make that happen.
Here are a few tips on how to help your elderly parents stay in their homes for as long as possible.
Talk with your parents about their wishes
The first step in helping your elderly parents stay at home is to talk with them about their wishes. Ask them what they would like to do and whether they feel comfortable staying at home on their own or if they would prefer to move into an assisted living facility or other senior living community. This conversation can be difficult, but it is essential to have open communication with your parents about their wishes.
Assess your parents’ needs
Next, you will need to assess your parents’ needs and see if they are able to safely live at home. This includes evaluating things like their mobility, memory, and ability to take care of themselves. If your parents have any physical or mental health conditions that require assistance, they may not be able to live safely at home.
Create a care plan
If your parents are able to live at home, you will need to create a care plan that outlines the tasks they will need help with and how often those tasks will need to be done. This can include things like grocery shopping, house cleaning, bathing, and doctor’s appointments. If your parents are unable to live at home on their own, you will need to find an assisted living facility that meets their needs.
Get help from family and friends
One of the best ways to help your elderly parents stay at home is to get help from family and friends. Ask them if they are willing to help out with tasks like grocery shopping, bathing, and doctor’s appointments. If your parents have a lot of medical appointments, you can ask friends and family to help by taking turns driving them to their appointments.
Make home modifications
If assistance with everyday tasks is something your aging parents will need, you can make some home modifications that will make it easier for them to live at home. This includes things like installing grab bars in the bathroom, adding ramps to the entrance of the house, and lowering shelves, so they are easier to reach.
Did you know that in the Gainesville area, you can have DMD Health and Training Services come and do a “Fall Prevention Home Audit”? DMD Health and Training Services can make specific recommendations on how to make your loved one’s home safer.
Ensure your parents have the right equipment
Another way you can help your elderly parents stay at home is by ensuring they have the right equipment. This includes things like a walker, wheelchair, or cane. If your parents are having trouble getting around their home, these items can help them stay mobile.
Encourage your parents to stay social
If your elderly parents can stay home, encourage them to stay social. This includes things like joining a seniors group, going for walks, or visiting with friends and family. Staying social will help keep your parents mentally healthy and engaged in life.
Know your options
If you feel like your elderly parents are no longer safe to live at home, it is important to know your options. You can talk with a geriatric care manager about the best way to help your parents, or you can find a facility that meets their needs. It is always better to have a plan in place than to wait until there is a crisis.
Palm Aging Life Management can assist with assessments, establish care plans, find reputable care providers – or even offer relocation assistance if needed.
Nowadays, there are lots of resources and assistance available to help elderly parents age in place should they desire – and when you have a plan in place, you can help make it easier for everyone involved.
If your parents need help with house cleaning, please contact Mini Maid. We’d be happy to discuss their needs with you and come up with a plan to help keep their home clean so you can check that task off your to-do list.
