As seniors age, the possibility of needing to be cared for at home can increase, making it important for family members to be prepared for the future. If you’re concerned your senior loved one will experience a significant loss of cognition, memory, or mobility or develop a serious health condition, it’s vital to start planning for in-home care now.
1. Talk with Your Loved One about His or Her Wants & Needs
The first and most important part of the planning process is to find out what your loved one’s long-term goals are. If your loved one is committed to remaining at home, you may want to discuss the benefits of hiring a caregiver who can assist with housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, and transportation once these and other daily chores become too taxing.
This is also a good time to talk about the importance of documenting end-of-life directives, establishing power of attorney, and drafting a will. Seniors have the greatest ability to participate in the decision-making process when they choose to document their wishes before any severe loss of cognitive function occurs.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care Fort Lauderdale, a leading home care service agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
2. Find Out about Free or Low-Cost Resources in Your Area
Make a list of local resources that can alleviate some of the financial demands seniors face while living on fixed incomes. Local meal delivery services, food banks, and senior transportation programs can make this stage of life far less stressful. These resources can also limit the strain family caregivers feel when working to help their loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
3. Create a List of Property Changes or Upgrades
Whenever seniors opt to age in place, it’s important to make sure their living environments are free of fall hazards and other potentially dangerous obstacles. Talk to your loved one about any additions to the kitchen or bathroom that might make these spaces safer and easier to use. It’s vital to note that as your parent’s individual needs and abilities continue to change, further alterations to the home should be made.
Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Fort Lauderdale respite care experts from Assisting Hands Home Care are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities.
4. Start Researching Local Home Care Companies
It’s never too early to start learning more about home care. This research will allow you to make comprehensive comparisons of these services and the related fees. Home care can be as flexible as you and your loved one need it to be, and your loved one may be surprised to find services he or she can even benefit from right now.
In Fort Lauderdale, elderly home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. Assisting Hands Home Care can be your trusted partner in caregiving for your aging loved one. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (754) 999-9490 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.
