While your parents probably would like to be able to take care of themselves independently, often children find themselves in a role-reversal as their parents age. They become the caregiver for Mom or Dad. It can be rewarding but also stressful because it takes time, patience and sometimes money. If you are facing a situation where your parent needs part-time or full-time help, here are some tips to help you make this easier on everyone.
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.
Other ways to make independent life easier include taking stock of the kitchen. Make sure plates, cups and other items are easy to access and not too high or that drawers are easy to open. Be sure the cupboards are stocked with canned and dry goods and a few frozen dinners are on hand, so that there is always something to eat. Also consider buying an easy to use electric can opener, well as a toaster oven and microwave to make meal preparation faster. Daily pill organizers can ensure that medicines are taken regularly and can be placed on a kitchen counter.
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.
Other ways to make independent life easier include taking stock of the kitchen. Make sure plates, cups and other items are easy to access and not too high or that drawers are easy to open. Be sure the cupboards are stocked with canned and dry goods and a few frozen dinners are on hand, so that there is always something to eat. Also consider buying an easy to use electric can opener, well as a toaster oven and microwave to make meal preparation faster. Daily pill organizers can ensure that medicines are taken regularly and can be placed on a kitchen counter.
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 find more about board and care Oceanside services, please check out the Care Placement site today.