As adults, it can be difficult to watch our parents age and become unable to do the things that they used to. However, it’s important to become aware of when your loved one may need some extra help, along with all of your options, so that you can arrange for the care they need right away.
Early Signs
The best way to ensure your loved one is never without assistance is to look for early signs of help needed with Activities of Daily Living, or ADLs, and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, or IADLs.
ADLs consist of the necessary actions of everyday life, such as eating, dressing, bathing or showering, and personal hygiene. If your parent or elderly relative seems to be having difficulties in this area, it may be time to start looking for some assistance.
Additionally, activities such as cooking, running errands, or managing finances can become challenging. These are called Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, or IADLs, and may require support as aging starts to become debilitating.
Options of Elderly Care
Luckily, there are plenty of options when it comes to caring for an elderly relative. However, this can be a delicate topic of conversation. It’s likely that your parent will want to maintain his or her sense of independence, which is why it’s important to know your choices ahead of time.
Assisted Living Communities
This is a rented apartment, home, or room within a community, where residents are capable of living on their own, but assistance with ADLs is provided, along with group meals and activities.
Nursing Homes
This is another option if your loved one needs 24/7 assistance, both medical and non-medical, as nursing homes are staffed with nurses and caregivers. They’ll move into a facility where they could be sharing a room with another resident, and all meals and activities are communal.
Assistance from a Relative
If your aging loved one is living close to you or other relatives, perhaps you could provide them with the extra help they need. This will also allow you to spend more time with them, while they can still remain in their own homes.
Assistance from a Caregiver
Your elderly parent is already experiencing many changes that come with aging, and leaving their homes for extra help in a nursing home or assisted living community may be stressful. However, you may not be able to provide them with the support they need on a daily basis. That’s where assistance from a home care provider can help.
Home care providers offer a variety of services, including live-in assistance. This is a great alternative to a nursing home or any other situation where your loved one will have to relocate out of their home in order to receive the assistance they need.
Finding Senior Care in Your Area
If you’re interested in finding out more about senior relative care in the Chester County, Delaware County, and Montgomery County areas, our team at WellSprings Home Care can help. We’ll walk you through your options and explain more about our own home care services.
Contact us (610) 463-0880 to get started today!
