Living independently is something we all want to be able to do throughout our adulthood, but it isn't always easy or feasible. Sometimes tasks need to be taken care of by someone else and often our children are the ones who handle many of our care needs. While they- children want to help, it can put some burden on their own daily lives. There are ways to make living independently easier that can reduce a child's need to become a full-time caregiver. Here are a few quick suggestions.
Take stock of your parent's home and do what you can to make it easier for them to deal with daily tasks. For instance, area rugs and loose carpeting can be hazardous as well as uneven flooring areas, so remove rugs and fix up flooring. Add handles in the bathroom and non-skid mats to the tub or even install a sit-down tub to make bathing easy and safe. Remove stairs in the front or backyard and replace them with ramps, and be sure there are sturdy rails to grab. In the bedroom, make sure the bed is low enough to get in and out of easily and put a nightlight in every room.
Take a look at the kitchen and re-arrange things so that all the pots, pans and dishes are easy to reach. Provide a microwave and toaster oven so that quick meals are easy to prepare. Keep the cupboards filled with canned goods and dry goods and fill the freezer with a variety of easy-to-prepare foods. See if there is a grocery store in the area that can deliver fresh items such as milk and produce every week. Buy pill organizers and place medications inside so that your parent won't have to remember if pills were taken or how much to take.
Talk to your parent about financial matters, as well. Ask if you can help make sure bills are being paid on time or if you can help them plan out a budget. Be sure you know where important items such as a will or trust are located. While it can be uncomfortable discussing money and wills, it's good to have an idea of how your parent is doing financially. If there is money in the budget, you might have enough to spend on a housekeeping service or even a home care worker who can help with many daily tasks and chores.
Selecting the right person for in-home care can be tricky and you definitely want to find someone trustworthy and personable. An agency such as CarePlacement.com screens licensed professionals in your area and can compile a list of potential caregivers for you. You simply fill out a questionnaire detailing the types of services you need, as well as your current budget and they will find you several solid candidates.
Once you have a few names, write out a list of questions to ask these candidates or the home-care agencies. Find out how much experience the caregiver has had, ask for references and contact these references and ask about the level of care. Ask about what your parent can expect in terms of care such as the services that will be provided and how often the caregiver will be at their home. It is also wise to get a list of services in writing, as well as the costs. Also ask what happens if a caregiver is unable to come to work for a scheduled day or visit.
Take stock of your parent's home and do what you can to make it easier for them to deal with daily tasks. For instance, area rugs and loose carpeting can be hazardous as well as uneven flooring areas, so remove rugs and fix up flooring. Add handles in the bathroom and non-skid mats to the tub or even install a sit-down tub to make bathing easy and safe. Remove stairs in the front or backyard and replace them with ramps, and be sure there are sturdy rails to grab. In the bedroom, make sure the bed is low enough to get in and out of easily and put a nightlight in every room.
Take a look at the kitchen and re-arrange things so that all the pots, pans and dishes are easy to reach. Provide a microwave and toaster oven so that quick meals are easy to prepare. Keep the cupboards filled with canned goods and dry goods and fill the freezer with a variety of easy-to-prepare foods. See if there is a grocery store in the area that can deliver fresh items such as milk and produce every week. Buy pill organizers and place medications inside so that your parent won't have to remember if pills were taken or how much to take.
Talk to your parent about financial matters, as well. Ask if you can help make sure bills are being paid on time or if you can help them plan out a budget. Be sure you know where important items such as a will or trust are located. While it can be uncomfortable discussing money and wills, it's good to have an idea of how your parent is doing financially. If there is money in the budget, you might have enough to spend on a housekeeping service or even a home care worker who can help with many daily tasks and chores.
Selecting the right person for in-home care can be tricky and you definitely want to find someone trustworthy and personable. An agency such as CarePlacement.com screens licensed professionals in your area and can compile a list of potential caregivers for you. You simply fill out a questionnaire detailing the types of services you need, as well as your current budget and they will find you several solid candidates.
Once you have a few names, write out a list of questions to ask these candidates or the home-care agencies. Find out how much experience the caregiver has had, ask for references and contact these references and ask about the level of care. Ask about what your parent can expect in terms of care such as the services that will be provided and how often the caregiver will be at their home. It is also wise to get a list of services in writing, as well as the costs. Also ask what happens if a caregiver is unable to come to work for a scheduled day or visit.
About the Author:
Kristana Jenson enjoys reading home health care blogs. To get further details regarding assisted living Vista facilities or to discover more about board and care Oceanside services, please go to the CarePlacement.com site now.
No comments:
Post a Comment