Generally, elderly parents want to remain living in
their own home. However, remaining in the home becomes a concern
when children see their parents slowing down, perhaps even having
trouble with handling stairs and doing general daily activities.
Yet, with parents' mental and physical health currently not
creating problems, there seems to be no imminent need to search
out support services or other accommodations for aging parents.
This is now the time to evaluate the home to make it safe and
secure for your loved ones -- now and in the near future -- in
anticipation of aging disabilities that may occur. Help and
support are available. The nation as a whole is more aware of
elderly needs and services and products are becoming available at
an outstanding pace.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states, “Employment of personal and
home care aides is projected to grow by 51 percent between 2006
and 2016, which is much faster than the average for all
occupations. The expected growth is due, in large part, to the
projected rise in the number of elderly people, an age group that
often has mounting health problems and that needs some assistance
with daily activities.” Bureau of labor Statistics-Occupational
Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition
This growing need for aides and services also encompasses
• home remodeling services --
making a home more serviceable to the elderly
• safety alert systems and
technology • motion
sensors to monitor movement;
• telehealth services
-- using home-based computer systems for the doctors office or a
nurse to monitor vital signs and •
even a pill dispenser that notifies when it is time
to take medication.
Where do you begin to make sure your
elderly family member is safe and managing well in his or
her home?
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Visit often and at different times of the day
and night. Make note of daily activities that appear challenging
and where changes might be made to add safety and convenience.
Remove rugs that slide -- causing a fall -- and move furniture
with sharp edges. Set the water heater at a lower temperature.
This will protect their older sensitive skin from scalds and
burns. Be sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are
in place.
Bathrooms are a hazard area for the elderly. Grab bars by the
toilet and shower are a must to help prevent falls. There are easy
to install bars at your local hardware store if you want to do the
work yourself. Another item that is good to have is a shower stool
or chair.
If you are not sure of what needs to be done, consider hiring a
professional. There are companies that specialize in home
remodeling and accommodation for seniors. Michelle Graham of
Accessible Design by Studio G4 says about senior home remodel
projects, “The main thing we incorporate in all of our projects is
a careful study of needs and potential needs that may develop
throughout a client's lifespan.”
Keep in mind what future home adjustments
might be needed for your parents to “age in place” in their
home.
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Home safety or medical alert companies provide
GPS-based bracelets or pendants to track the elderly at home who
tend to wander. Or the companies may provide alarm devices such as
pendants or bracelets which allow the elderly to alert someone if
there has been a fall or a sudden health-related attack. In the
event an alarm has been triggered, a 24 hour monitoring service
will alert the family or medical emergency services or call a
neighbor depending on previous instructions. In addition there are
companies that will install motion sensors in the home to monitor
the elderly on a 24 hour basis.
Don't forget your parents' community as a valuable resource for
helping them stay in their home. Take Margaret Muller as an
example. At 82 years of age, Margaret lives alone in her small
home. She manages very well with the help of her local Senior
Center. The Center's “Senior Companion” program sees that Margaret
is taken to the store for groceries and other needs and checks in
with her often to see how she is doing. Once a day, the Senior
Center delivers a hot healthy meal to her door. Having these
services and visits gives Margaret the help she needs and peace of
mind that she is not alone.
Neighbors, local church groups, senior centers and city centers
are some places to look for assistance. Most of the time there is
little or no cost for these services.
Your state aging services unit is a valuable community resource.
The National Area on Aging website www.aoa.gov states: “AoA,
through the Older Americans Act and other legislation, supports
programs that help older adults maintain their independence and
dignity in their homes and communities. In addition AoA provides
funding for a range of supports to family caregivers.”
Some of the programs the site lists are:
“Supportive Services and Senior Centers, Nutrition Services,
National Family Caregiver Support Program, Grants for Native
Americans, Nursing Home Diversion Grants, Aging & Disability
Resource Centers, Evidence-Based Disease Prevention, Long-Term
Care Planning, Alzheimer's Disease Grants, Naturally Occurring
Retirement Communities”
A few thoughts on hiring home care aides
or live-in care givers.
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The classifieds are filled with people looking
for work as aides to the elderly. Many of these aides are
well-qualified, honest people who will do a good job; but, of
course, there will be some not so reputable. If you are looking to
hire someone, be sure you interview and check references and
qualifications. You will be responsible for scheduling that person
and doing payroll and taxes as well. Be very sure you hire someone
trustworthy, as the elderly seem to trust these helpers more than
they should and therefore can easily be taken advantage of.
A professional home care service will eliminate your employment
concerns. Professionally-provided aides are usually bonded and
service is guaranteed. Home care companies take care of the
scheduling and payment of their employees. Home care companies
cater to the elderly in their homes by offering a variety of
services. The National Care Planning Council lists many of these
companies throughout the country on its website
www.longtermcarelink.net .
These providers represent a rapidly growing trend to allow people
needing help with long term care to remain in their home or in the
community instead of going to a care facility. The services
offered may include:
• companionship
• grooming and dressing
• recreational activities
• incontinent care
• handyman services
• teeth brushing
• medication reminders
• bathing or showering
• light housekeeping
• meal preparation
• respite for family
caregivers • errands
and shopping • reading
email or letters
• overseeing home
deliveries • dealing
with vendors
• transportation
services • changing
linens • laundry and
ironing • organizing
closets • care of
house plants • 24-hour
emergency response •
family counseling •
phone call checks •
and much more.
Thomas Day, Director of the National Care Planning Council states,
“Care in the home provided by a spouse or a child is the most
common form of long-term care in this country. About 73% of all
long term care is provided in the home environment typically by
family caregivers.”
As their caregiver, you can make the difference in the quality of
life for your aging parents and if staying in their home is a
possibility, you have the resources to make it happen.
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