As your parents and loved ones age, their ability to do the things they once did will diminish. Whether due to age or pre-existing medical conditions, elderly people easily become forgetful, fragile, and even prone to accidents.
As their child, of course you want to protect them in the best way you know how. Since there are so many options out there to choose from, determining which method is best for your beloved parents will take a concerted effort and a lot of information.
Below are some of the options you have for dear parents who live alone.
Install Devices Around the House
For aging parents who have a hard time doing things but aren’t completely sick or disabled, getting them to leave the house may prove difficult. They like their independence and don’t want you to get in the way.
In cases like this where your parents are well, you might consider installing the device around the house.
Security system –
If your parents live alone and you are worried about things like burglaries, fires, or home invasions, you can install a home security system in your home. There are many companies and products to choose from. If you want contact ADT nowYou can ask to review options for seniors which can even include discounts and monitoring services so authorities are dispatched in case of problems.
Medical Warning Necklace –
As well as a home safety monitoring service, getting your parents a medical alert necklace can save lives. For instances where your parent may fall or be injured and unable to reach the phone, pressing a button will immediately connect them to emergency assistance.
Mobility Devices –
If your parents have difficulty traveling, mobility devices can help extend their independence. Stair lifts, chair lifts, elevators and more all play an important role in helping disabled and elderly people get around their homes with ease.
Consider Additional Help Around the House
If your parents are elderly and have trouble doing things like preparing food, getting dressed, or bathing, you might consider options for getting extra help around the house.
This will still give them the security of being in their own home while allowing them to do essential tasks. Some options will include:
Home health helper –
Home health aides are trained medical professionals who can come to homes. They are trained to help seniors with pre-existing conditions or to complete challenging tasks such as meal preparation, taking medication, bathing, and dressing.
They can come full or part time according to everyone’s schedule. Since they will be coming to your parents’ house, it is often easier to convince them to accept help.
Family members –
If you can’t afford a home health helper, you might consider enlisting the help of friends and other family members. Depending on your schedule, you can coordinate so your parents always have someone nearby if something goes wrong or they need help.
Your parents may feel a little more comfortable with someone they know and love to care for them.
Talking About Nursing Homes
If your parents are sick, disabled, or need a lot of help during the day and your schedule or home doesn’t allow them to stay with you, your only option is to place them in a nursing home. Often a sensitive issue, preferably not only talk to your parents about it first but to allow them to be part of the process of finding the right nursing home. This will make the decision easier in the end.
You know your parents will get older, but when they start to lose their independence and need to rely on you more, the transition can be a tough one to deal with. It’s important to explore all your options when it comes to keeping your parents safe.
Most importantly, let them be part of the process all the time to avoid frustration and animosity. While it may seem like a hard pill to swallow right now, there are plenty of resources out there to make this whole process a lot easier to handle.
