As your family member gets older, there will come a time to decide if they need more assistance with daily chores, financial issues, or other matters. If you have been pondering over this decision, it might be a good time to ask yourself a question. Is it possible for you to care for your elderly loved one in your own home? If you feel this is possible, here are some tips for making this transition.
Is it possible to take care of an elderly parent?
It is important to understand that you might have more financial costs once you start taking care of your elderly loved one in your home. Some of these costs include
- Food costs
- Gas to take them places
- You might have to put grab bars in your home
- You might have to make your home wheelchair accessible
You might also have to put other safety devices in your home. This is why it is important to consider the financial cost of having your elderly loved one live with you. In addition, you might need to cut back on work, which means less income, as well. This can be another challenge you should consider before moving your elderly loved one into your home.
What are some questions to think about when deciding to move your parent in with you?
Once you figure out the financial costs of caring for your elderly loved one, you should sit down and talk with other family members who live in your home. Ask them what they think about having your elderly loved one move in. You should also ask them if they might be able to help take care of your elderly loved one. All of you will have to decide if you are willing to give up some of your privacy. Together, you can figure out how to set some boundaries. This way nobody feels that others are invading their space.
How can you prepare your house for an elderly parent?
Once you decide to take care of your elderly loved one in your home, it is time to prepare your environment to ensure it is safe for everyone who lives there. Some home care items you might need to do put in your home include the following:
- Grab bars
- Ramps
- Shower chair
- Remove any throw rugs
- Get a toilet seat
These are only a few things that you might need to have in your home. There are cases when a person doesn’t have to change anything in their home.
Conclusion
Making the choice to care for an elderly loved one in your own home is a big decision. Hopefully, these tips will help you make the best decision for everyone involved. If caring for an elderly loved one in your own home is too daunting of a task, consider the many benefits of home care for your parent. Home care allows your senior to remain in their home while still feeling safe and cared for by a trained and loving caregiver. Home care providers can offer companionship, light housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, mobility assistance and more. Home care provides help for your senior, and peace of mind for you.
If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring home care in San Jose, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 317-4969.
Sources
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/when-its-time-leave-home