If you’re new to taking care of a senior parent, it’s ok to be a little overwhelmed. If your mom or dad is still living on their own, but depending on you for help with household tasks or other support it can be tough at first. But some services and tools can make it easier to juggle your job, taking care of your kids, and taking care of your senior parent. The first thing that you need to know when you are supporting a senior parent is that home care services are a fantastic option if you’re too busy to stop by your mom or dad’s more than a couple of times each week.
With home care your mom or dad will get daily visits from a care provider who can help them with everything from setting up their pill reminder boxes to vacuuming and even changing the sheets. Home care allows your mom or dad to keep their independence and have a healthy, clean, and comfortable home.
Some other things that you need to know to help your senior parent are:
Safety Is a Top Priority
Safety is one of the biggest concerns for seniors living alone. As your mom or dad gets older their risk of falling at home increases and falls at home can be very serious for older people.
To make sure your mom or dad is safe at home remove tripping hazards like loose rugs or clutter. Install grab bars in the bathroom and ensure there’s good lighting throughout the house. You may need to upgrade safety features in the home as your mom or dad gets older or if their health gets worse.
Stay on Top of Their Health
Your mom or dad will need your help managing their medical conditions. Make a list of all their medications, including what they’re for and when to take them. If possible, take them to medical appointments to better understand their health needs and ask questions. If you can’t take them to an appointment, make sure a home care provider goes with them. And follow up with the doctor to find out more about your mom or dad’s overall health.
Don’t Let The Become Isolated
Living alone can sometimes lead to loneliness, which can affect both mental and physical health. Help your parent stay connected with others by encouraging visits with friends, participating in online communities, and getting home care for them. Regular visits from a home care provider are a great way to keep your mom or dad socially connected.
Know When to Ask for Help
Taking care of a senior parent can be challenging, and it’s okay to admit when you need help. Services like home care can make sure that family caregivers don’t get overwhelmed. Talk to family members, or consider finding a local caregiver support group. Joining a caregiver support group can provide you with advice, understanding, and encouragement.
Respect Their Independence
While you’re there to help, it’s important to respect your parent’s independence and choices. Many seniors value their ability to live on their own and make their own decisions. Talk openly with your parent about what kind of help they need and involve them in decisions about their care. This approach helps them feel empowered rather than controlled, making caregiving a more positive experience for both of you.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Scotch Plains NJ, please contact the caring staff at Helping Hands Homecare today. Call (908) 418-4299
Helping Hands Homecare provides Senior Home Care Services throughout Northern and Central New Jersey, including Clark, Westfield, Cranford, Scotch Plains, Rahway, Linden, Summit, Edison, Elizabeth, Mountainside, Short Hills, Millburn, New Providence, Berkeley Heights, Kenilworth, Chatham, Madison, Metuchen, and surrounding areas.
After graduating from Seton Hall University with a BS in finance Helping Hands Homecare’s Owner / President, Robert D’Arienzo, went to work on Wall St. for six years. However, after Robert’s grandmother became ill with stomach cancer Robert and his family needed to find assistance in the home for her. After many trials and tribulations Robert could see that there was a great need for quality home care services here in NJ and loved the idea of being able to assist other families who were going through what his family went through with his beloved grandmother.
Thus, Robert had found his passion. After almost a year of preparation Robert opened Helping Hands Homecare in 2003. Robert wanted Helping Hands Homecare to focus on providing the highest quality of caregivers, exceptional customer service, and providing a service that familys could depend on in their time of need. Since then Helping Hands has assisted hundreds of individuals with the simplest of needs to more complex cases while preserving those standards set out many years ago.
Robert is a Google Verified Author
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